Cairo, 3 September 2025 – The Export Council for Chemicals and Fertilizers has marked a new milestone in its strategy to expand into African markets. The recent Egyptian trade mission to Ghana resulted in 276 bilateral business meetings between Egyptian and Ghanaian companies, generating preliminary deals worth over USD 3 million, in addition to regular supply agreements estimated at more than five containers per month.
Mr. Khaled Abu Al-Makarem, Chairman of the Export Council for Chemicals and Fertilizers, emphasized that the mission’s success reflects the Council’s commitment to strengthening Egypt’s presence in promising African markets, in line with the national strategy to boost Egyptian exports to Africa. He noted that Ghana has been identified as a priority market in the Council’s plan to increase exports to West Africa.
One of the participating Egyptian detergent companies announced that it has already begun contracting to supply five containers per month, alongside leasing a warehouse to ensure continuous availability of products in Ghana’s market. Similarly, a plastic and pipes manufacturer expressed strong optimism regarding growth opportunities in Ghana, especially within infrastructure and construction projects, reaffirming insights from earlier market studies and webinars organized by the Council.
Mr. Yaw L. Sekyi, Director of Policy, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation at Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted the importance of the Forum, coinciding with the launch of Ghana’s “24-Hour Economy Policy”, aimed at running factories around the clock. He stressed that Egyptian-Ghanaian partnerships can play a vital role in reviving idle factories and enhancing economic integration between the two countries.
Ms. Nesreen Wahish, Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Office in Accra, noted that the mission included 14 Egyptian companies, with preparations spanning several months. She added that the delegation received a warm welcome from Ghanaian counterparts, engaging with the Cocoa Board, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Association of Ghana Industries, and the Accra Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside field visits to specialized markets.
Mr. Mohamed Mageed, Executive Director of the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilizers, underlined that the mission’s achievements were the result of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders – from the Egyptian Commercial Office in Accra, led by Minister Plenipotentiary Nesreen Wahish and Commercial Attaché Mohamed Shokshok, to the strong support of H.E. Ambassador Ayman El-Dessouky and the Egyptian Embassy in Accra.
He further stressed that the endorsement of Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, together with Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Agriculture, gave the mission additional momentum. Collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries and the Accra Chamber of Commerce also strengthened networking opportunities for Egyptian businesses.
Mr. Magied described this mission as a model of fruitful cooperation, calling for similar approaches in future trade missions across Africa. He emphasized that Ghana’s success story serves as a powerful incentive to advance Egypt’s broader strategy of expanding exports to the African continent.
Mr. Yehia El-Menshawy, Director of Business Development and International Cooperation at the Export Council, explained that preparations for the mission lasted more than three months, culminating in tangible deals, contracts, and quotations that demonstrate its success. He revealed that surveys of participating companies confirmed that the mission achieved a real breakthrough in the Ghanaian market, despite strong competition from international players, with Egyptian products standing out for their competitive pricing and quality.
El-Menshawy added that the mission’s success was rooted in careful sector targeting. More than 30 Egyptian companies initially applied to join, but selection was made according to market needs and in coordination with the Commercial Office in Accra. Preparations included market studies, field visits, and a pre-mission webinar, as well as official coordination with Ghanaian institutions. The extensive support from Egypt’s Commercial Office and Embassy in Accra helped overcome challenges, ensuring the mission delivered a successful and distinguished outcome that reflects Egypt’s strong market position.