Trade relationship 

Ghana-Mauritius Collaboration Set to Boost Trade, Jobs, and Food Security

At the Ghana Day Business Forum, Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee called for deeper collaboration between Ghana and Mauritius to unlock significant economic growth, enhance trade, and create a sustainable future for Mauritius and Ghana. The Secretary-General of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) underscored the potential for further trade expansion, citing opportunities in sectors like agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food security. 

At the Ghana Day Business Forum, Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary-General of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), highlighted the promising trade relationship between Mauritius and Ghana, underscoring both achievements and future opportunities for collaboration. Reflecting on the past five years, Dr. Ramdenee noted that “the trade relationship between Mauritius and Ghana has seen steady growth, with Mauritius exporting an average of MUR 22 million worth of goods to Ghana annually between 2019 and 2023, while imports from Ghana averaged MUR 7.2 million during the same period.”

Dr. Ramdenee provided an overview of key exports and imports between the two countries, highlighting the diverse range of goods that characterize this bilateral trade. “In 2023, Mauritius’ exports to Ghana reached MUR 20 million, driven primarily by products like instructional charts and packaging materials, reflecting our country’s strength in producing high-quality goods that cater to diverse markets,” he explained. Ghana’s exports to Mauritius in 2023 amounted to MUR 7 million, with wood sawn or chipped lengthwise being the dominant export, followed by fresh fruits such as guavas and mangoes.

The Secretary-General of the MCCI emphasized the complementary nature of the two economies, noting that “this exchange of goods not only strengthens our economies, but also enhances the quality of life for our citizens by making diverse products more accessible.”

Mauritius, with its reputation for producing high-quality garments, could collaborate with Ghana, which has a growing textile and cotton industry

Highlighting the untapped potential for further trade expansion, Dr. Ramdenee discussed key products with significant export potential from Mauritius to Ghana, including cane or beet sugar, prepared and preserved tunas, and undenatured ethyl alcohol. “There is considerable room for growth, with opportunities to increase exports of cane or beet sugar by an estimated additional USD 374,000 in value,” he pointed out. “Similarly, there is potential for increased exports of prepared tunas and ethyl alcohol, which could further diversify and deepen our trade relations.”

On the other hand, Ghana also holds significant export potential to Mauritius, particularly in the agri-food and mining sectors. “Frozen skipjack and bonito, gold for non-monetary purposes, and cocoa powder are among the products that could see increased exports to Mauritius,” he noted. “For instance, the potential to realize an additional USD 108,000 in exports of frozen skipjack and bonito alone highlights the opportunity for growth in this sector.”

Dr. Ramdenee underscored the pivotal role of the private sector in advancing trade relations between the two nations. “In industries such as textiles and apparel, Mauritius, with its reputation for producing high-quality garments, could collaborate with Ghana, which has a growing textile and cotton industry,” he suggested. “Mauritius could source raw cotton from Ghana, add value through manufacturing, and then export finished textile products back to Ghana and other markets.”

He also emphasized the potential for collaboration in agro-processing, stating that “Mauritius, with its expertise in sugar and food processing, can import raw agricultural products from Ghana, add value through processing, and then re-export these products to Ghana and beyond. This collaboration would boost trade, create jobs, and enhance food security in both nations.“

Moreover, Dr. Ramdenee highlighted opportunities in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors, where Mauritius is rapidly developing its capabilities. “Ghana, with its growing healthcare needs, stands to benefit significantly from importing these products from Mauritius,” he remarked.

The Secretary-General of the MCCI acknowledged the strong foundation laid by both governments through various initiatives and agreements, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) signed in 2017, which has facilitated trade and investment by creating a more predictable and favorable tax environment for businesses operating between the two countries. He also highlighted the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) in 2022, which saw Mauritius export its first consignment of plastic labels to Ghana under AfCFTA trade preferences.

“These initiatives demonstrate the effectiveness of the AfCFTA framework in facilitating trade across Africa, and highlight the potential for further growth,” he affirmed.

Looking to the future, Dr. Ramdenee called for a deepening of collaboration and capitalizing on new opportunities to unlock significant economic growth for both nations. “The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry stands poised to be at the forefront of these efforts, actively mobilizing the private sector to explore and seize the myriad opportunities for trade and investment that lie ahead,” he declared. “Through our collective efforts, we are confident that this partnership will not only strengthen our economic ties, but also create a sustainable and prosperous future for both Mauritius and Ghana.”