Accra, March 19, - Agro-tech entrepreneurs have commended the maiden AgroTech Fair for providing a platform to showcase innovations and attract investment for agribusiness development.
The three-day event, organised by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in collaboration with the Ghana Export-Import Bank at the Black Star Square in Accra, was on the theme: “Transforming Agribusiness through Local Innovation and Technology.”
It brought together institutions to exhibit locally developed agricultural machinery, agro-processing equipment and emerging technologies aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing value addition.
Participants said the fair facilitated engagement between innovators and investors, opened investment discussions and strengthened local and international partnerships.
Madam Rita Akrong, Head of Marketing and Public Relations at Gratis Foundation, said the organisation showcased its agro-processing equipment to donors, potential clients and business partners.
“Our expectations have been met. We are grateful to EXIM Bank because this is the first time we’ve been able to exhibit most of our equipment. We’ve had meaningful discussions with donors and partners, and business opportunities look promising,” she said.
She urged the Government to prioritise locally manufactured agro-processing equipment and called for more frequent and extended fairs with increased participation of the youth and technical students.
Naa Ayeley Suomo Tagoe, Co-founder of Sunify Soladry Technology, said the fair provided an opportunity to explore innovations and establish strategic partnerships.
“I have seen that Ghanaian youth can achieve a lot if given the right support. We have met people interested in our technology, and there is potential for collaboration and expansion.
“For future fairs, I recommend venues with grass or farmland, where practical testing of agricultural equipment is possible. Government support in financial, technical, and educational terms will be critical for young innovators,” she said.
Mr. Eric Kuupole, Co-founder and Technical Engineer of King Tractor Limited in Nandom in the Upper West Region, said the event enhanced international engagement and investor interest.
“We have received a lot of interest in our machines. All our complimentary cards have been taken by investors, and we have begun discussions with a partner from Kenya linked to UNDP who is willing to sponsor production,” he said.
He highlighted challenges with the high cost and limited local availability of components, noting that Government support in sourcing and financing would help scale up production.
Mr Kuupole also called for future fairs to be organised in other regions to promote innovations from the hinterlands.
Madam Faustina Okai, Principal of Bedeku Technical Institute, said the fair enabled the school to engage stakeholders to address institutional challenges.
“We have enjoyed the programme. Although we have not yet received direct assistance, we are hopeful of future support. We recommend that organisers provide more preparation time for institutions and consider extending the final day to allow late visitors to engage with exhibitors fully,” she said.
Other exhibitors called for policy interventions to promote local innovation, youth participation, and import substitution to strengthen the agribusiness sector.
GHBUSS
19 March 2026
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