Dr. Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), played a pivotal role in championing Ghana’s industrial growth at the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF), held in Türkiye on 17th October 2025. The Forum, organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) in partnership with the Turkish Ministry of Trade and Economy, convened over 4,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from Türkiye and across Africa to explore trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.
Held under the theme “Leveraging Türkiye–Africa Relations for Mutual Gains,” TABEF 2025 served as a premier platform for fostering economic partnerships, promoting investment opportunities, and facilitating strategic industrial collaborations. Participants engaged in high-level Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, panel discussions, and networking sessions aimed at strengthening the economic ties between Türkiye and African nations.
Representing Ghana alongside Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, and Ghana’s Ambassador to Türkiye, H.E. Abdul Nasiru-Deen, Dr. Awusi led Ghana’s delegation in a series of productive discussions with Turkish investors and multinational corporations. She showcased the strategic advantages of investing in Ghana’s Free Zones, emphasizing the GFZA’s commitment to providing a conducive business environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and investment incentives designed to drive industrialization and economic diversification.
In her address at the Forum, Dr. Awusi emphasized Ghana’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to boost industrial growth and create sustainable employment opportunities. “Ghana’s Free Zones are key catalysts for economic development,” she noted. “Our goal is to attract high-quality investment that not only generates employment but also enhances technology transfer, industrial innovation, and regional trade integration.”
The Forum also provided a platform to explore opportunities in critical sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, energy, logistics, and digital trade. Dr. Awusi’s engagements highlighted Ghana’s strategic priorities and identified potential areas for joint ventures, technology partnerships, and sustainable industrial projects with Turkish investors.
TABEF 2025 reinforced the importance of deepening Türkiye–Africa economic relations through collaboration, innovation, and mutual benefit. For Ghana, participation in the Forum underscores the country’s proactive approach to economic diplomacy and its vision to position itself as a leading investment destination in Africa.
Dr. Awusi’s presence and active participation at the Forum not only elevated Ghana’s profile among global investors but also reaffirmed the Ghana Free Zones Authority’s unwavering commitment to driving industrial growth, enhancing trade, and fostering economic prosperity for the nation.
By Joseph Amoateng
