South African Mission Applauds Diaspora for Driving Growth in Ghana–South Africa Trade
The South African Mission in Ghana has commended the growing influence and contribution of the South African diaspora in strengthening economic collaboration between Ghana and South Africa.
Speaking at the Global South Africans Business Luncheon in Accra, the Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Thando Dalamba, underscored the diaspora’s expanding role in boosting trade, investment, and development across the continent.
The event, themed “Proudly South African, Globally Represented,” convened business leaders, investors and representatives of the South African community in Ghana.
In his address, Mr. Dalamba emphasized that the mission remains committed to fostering stronger engagement with South Africans abroad while promoting mutually beneficial partnerships with Ghana.
Highlighting the deepening economic cooperation between the two countries, he revealed that Ghana and South Africa have signed 24 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding over the past two decades, reflecting a long-standing and productive bilateral relationship. These agreements, he noted, have provided a framework for enhanced collaboration in trade, tourism, investment and socio-economic development.
Mr. Dalamba further disclosed significant growth in trade volumes, rising from 14.1 billion dollars in 2020 to 18.19 billion dollars in 2024. Ghana, he said, has attracted 1.2 billion dollars in foreign direct investment from South African businesses, spread across 161 projects.
These investments have not only expanded market opportunity but have also contributed meaningfully to job creation in various sectors.
He emphasized that such progress has been repeatedly affirmed at high-level engagements, including the second Binational Commission held in Pretoria, where both governments recognized the diaspora business community as a key engine for deeper economic integration.
According to him, private sector-led initiatives, particularly those championed by the diaspora, continue to bridge markets and build investor confidence. “Our diaspora-led private sector continues to play a vital role in job creation, poverty alleviation and revenue generation, enabling investments in energy, health, education and infrastructure,” he said.
Mr. Dalamba also drew attention to the reciprocal visa agreement between Ghana and South Africa, which took effect on November 1. The policy, he noted, is already improving business mobility, enhancing tourism opportunities and widening market access for enterprises across both countries.
He added that the mission is collaborating with Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Authority under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative to design programmes that will promote Ghanaian tourism to South African audiences.
In closing, he called for sustained partnership in tourism, trade, investment and corporate social responsibility. “Allow me to make a clarion call for our government and business community to continue building bridges, opening markets and creating opportunities that drive development in South Africa, Ghana and across our continent,” he said.
