In Ghana, the agricultural sector contributes 21% to the GDP and employs over 40% of the active population.
The government, aiming for self-sufficiency and food security, is actively seeking partnerships with foreign operators to stimulate agricultural production.
BF’s Agricultural Project in Aveyime-Battor
Italian company Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF) has initiated a €90 million (USD 98.5 million) agricultural production project in Aveyime-Battor, located in the North Tongu district of the Volta region.
The announcement was made in a statement published on August 5th on the X (formerly Twitter) page of the Italian Embassy in Accra.
Public-Private Partnership and Project Details
According to local media outlet Graphic Online, the project is part of a public-private partnership with the government. It involves the establishment and development of a 5,000-hectare agricultural area dedicated to the cultivation of rice, corn, soybeans, tomatoes, bananas, and wheat.
Expansion Plans and Market Focus
Project officials indicate that the area will eventually be expanded to 25,000 hectares, and the company’s production will be geared towards supplying both the local market and exports.
Italian Ambassador’s Remarks on the Project’s Benefits
Italian Ambassador Daniela d’Orlandi expressed her optimism about the project, stating, “We believe that Ghana can greatly benefit from Italy’s expertise, know-how, technology, and equipment to develop and transform its natural resources, create value, and achieve food security.
This project will contribute significantly to the development, modernization, and diversification of the agro-industry in the country.”
Project Aligns with Italy’s “Mattei Plan”
This investment is part of the broader “Mattei Plan,” a strategic partnership program between Italy and African countries adopted by the Italian government in January 2024. Under this program, BF had already secured a $455 million agreement in July for grain and pasta production in southern Algeria.