By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Ghana and Serbia have expressed a mutual commitment to revitalize their bilateral trade and economic cooperation, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, and industrial development. This renewed partnership was highlighted during the official three-day visit of Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Đurić, to Ghana.
The visit, which included engagements with various Ghanaian ministries and state institutions, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties that have existed since the Non-Aligned Movement era of the 1960s. During the discussions, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, emphasized the untapped potential in trade relations between the two countries and the need to explore mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
“The current volume of trade between Ghana and Serbia is unimpressive, and there is more we can do to bridge this gap,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. He urged the private sectors of both countries to explore innovative avenues for collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and energy. Ghana’s strategic location and role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat positions it as a gateway to a broader African market of over 1.4 billion people, offering Serbian investors a unique opportunity to access the continent.
Ghana’s recent initiatives, such as the One Million Coders Programme, the $1 billion Innovation Hub project, and the $50 billion Fintech Support Fund, were highlighted as fertile ground for partnerships in software development, AI integration, and smart technologies. Additionally, both countries noted the potential for cooperation in infrastructure and maritime trade, with Mr. Ablakwa commending Serbia’s support in modernizing Ghana’s Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS). This project, implemented through collaboration between the Ghana Maritime Authority and Serbia’s Vlatacom Research and Development Institute, aims to enhance maritime safety and strengthen Ghana’s port and logistics ecosystem.
On his part, Mr. Đurić noted Serbia’s significant economic transformation over the past decade, including reducing its debt-to-GDP ratio and slashing unemployment. He expressed Serbia’s interest in seeking trade and investment partnerships in emerging markets, particularly in Africa. “We see Ghana as a key regional ally and partner rooted in historic friendship but focused on contemporary and future cooperation,” he said.
The Serbian government is particularly interested in boosting cooperation in agriculture, with its biotechnology institutes and agricultural research centers ready to partner with Ghana to enhance food production, safety, and security. Discussions have been scheduled with Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture to identify concrete areas of partnership in agri-tech, irrigation systems, and biotechnology to boost yields and reduce post-harvest losses.
Another promising avenue for trade cooperation is the emerging lithium industry, as both Ghana and Serbia have confirmed significant lithium deposits. The ministers agreed on joint research and technical collaboration in lithium exploration, extraction, and value addition to ensure local beneficiation and industrial development.
Mr. Đurić, whose country currently chairs the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, expressed strong interest in aligning Ghanaian and Serbian innovation efforts. He emphasized the potential for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and business incubation to support AI start-ups.
In line with Ghana’s commitment to a 24-hour economy and economic diversification, the two countries agreed to explore investment in logistics, construction, renewable energy, and vocational training to enhance the capabilities of the workforce for the modern job market. Mr. Đurić noted that Ghana’s stability, democratic credentials, and youthful population made it a top choice for long-term Serbian investment.
The implications of this renewed partnership are significant. For Ghana, it presents an opportunity to attract foreign investment, enhance its technological capabilities, and strengthen its position as a regional trade hub. For Serbia, it offers a gateway to the African market and the chance to diversify its trade and investment portfolio. The collaboration in agriculture, technology, and lithium exploration could lead to substantial economic growth and development for both countries, fostering a new era of bilateral cooperation rooted in historic ties but focused on future opportunities.