The Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, is leading Ghana’s delegation to the Sixteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI), taking place in Geneva, Switzerland (20–23 October 2025) under the theme:
“Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”

UNCTAD is a global gathering of ministers, heads of agencies, and international partners. The Honourable Minister is presenting Ghana’s vision for inclusive industrial transformation, digital innovation, and sustainable trade-led growth.

The Hon. Minister participated in Opening Plenary, the African Group Ministerial Meeting where she delivered a statement. She is also expected to participate in Roundtable discussion on Artificial Intelligence, where she will highlight key national initiatives, the FUND24 blended-finance model, CONNECT24 infrastructure programme, and the Women’s Development Bank, aimed at unlocking finance, modernising trade infrastructure, and empowering women and MSMEs.

Ghana’s participation reaffirms its leadership in championing AfCFTA implementation, digital transformation, and equitable multilateralism for Africa’s shared prosperity.

On the sidelines of UNCTAD XVI, the Honourable Minister met with Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), to strengthen collaboration on trade competitiveness, women’s empowerment, and value addition in key sectors.

During the meeting Ms. Coke-Hamilton recalled that her first mission as ITC Executive Director was to Ghana and praised the country’s leadership on Geographical Indications (G.I.) for Kente, describing it as a bold move that protects Ghanaian heritage and creativity. She highlighted Ghana’s Sankofa Project, one of ITC’s most impactful local initiatives, and commended progress on the SheTrades Ghana Hub, expressing readiness to expand support for women in digital trade and entrepreneurship.

She also announced upcoming ITC programmes focusing on automotive components, textiles and apparel, infant-formula production, coffee, and the shea value chain—urging Ghana to pursue G.I. protection for shea and to position itself as a hub for these strategic sectors under the AfCFTA.

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s alignment with these priorities, noting that national policies are ready for textiles, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and agribusiness industrialisation. She welcomed ITC’s new infant-formula initiative, citing Ghana’s strong cereal base and the capacity of local firms such as Yedent to anchor production.