Policy, Infrastructure, and Technology Key to Scaling Ghana’s Agro-processing Sector

Speaking at the 7th International Trade Show & Conference held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, on the theme “Financing and Upscaling in Agro Processing,” Samuel Okang-Boye, Head of Agribusiness at Stanbic Bank Ghana, said that a more coordinated effort between the public and private sectors is crucial to making the agricultural value chain more structured, sustainable, and investable.

“When policy, infrastructure, and technology align, the entire agro-processing ecosystem becomes more attractive to both local and international investors. We must look beyond primary production and build a framework that allows agribusinesses to scale, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Ghana’s GDP,” he said.

He explained that policy support through tax incentives, regulatory flexibility, and targeted financing play a positive role in de-risking agribusiness investments.

“For example, tax concessions and import duty waivers on agricultural technology and equipment can go a long way to support entrepreneurs who are adding value locally,” Okang-Boye noted. “We need policies that reward innovation, reduce barriers, and encourage the private sector to take bold investment decisions.”

Addressing infrastructure gaps, Mr. Okang-Boye pointed out that challenges such as poor storage facilities, unreliable power supply, and inadequate road networks continue to constrain agro-processors.

“The state of our logistics and storage infrastructure makes it difficult to maintain quality produce and reduce post-harvest losses. If we can fix those systemic issues, the cost of doing business will drop, and more agribusinesses will become profitable,” he emphasized.

Mr. Okang-Boye also highlighted the importance of technology and digital innovation as enablers of efficiency and sustainability across the value chain.

“We must leverage precision agriculture, data systems, and smart financing tools to enhance productivity. Cost of production continues to rise faster than commodity prices, so the only way to protect margins is through efficiency, and technology is the answer,” he explained.

He further called for collaboration among development finance institutions (DFIs), commercial banks, and government agencies to create blended financing models that reduce the credit burden for agribusinesses.

“Stanbic Bank continues to support initiatives like the MasterCard-funded Bridging Agric Facility, which offers affordable interest rates to farmers and processors,” he added. “Such partnerships show that we can make financing more inclusive and impact-driven when we align resources and expertise.”

The 7th International Trade Show & Conference brought together policymakers, financiers, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness players to explore solutions for scaling the agro-processing industry through innovation and financing partnerships.

Picture: Samuel Okang-Boye, Head, Agribusiness Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic Bank Ghana.