Is Austria Becoming the Next Green Powerhouse in Ghana and West Africa?
Isaac Newton Acquah
Tech Sector Growth Lead International Trade Centre Ghana | Ecosystem Enabler | Advisor to Startups, Development Partners, and Investors | Program Manager | Public Speaker | Advocate for Innovation and Trade Across Africa
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In just a short time, Austria has rapidly expanded its presence and influence in Ghana and West Africa, positioning itself as a powerhouse in key sectors. The momentum began last year in April, when Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer, MSc made his first official visit to Ghana, accompanied by several high-profile ministers, including the Minister of Agriculture and other key members of his cabinet. This landmark visit sparked a wave of activity and collaboration between the two nations, particularly in green business and infrastructure development.
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One moment during the Chancellor’s visit was a round table organized by Isaac Newton Acquah, where Austrian Minister of Agriculture engaged with leading agritech companies, several from the International Trade Centre NTFV programme to discuss the future of the sector. That same morning a €30 million facility agreement between Jospong Group of Companies and the Austrian government to boost the rice value chain in Ghana was signed. Austria also renewed its commitment to supporting the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, further strengthening ties. The Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa (KAAIA)* was also announced that it would take place in 2024, which was instituted through a collaboration between the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Austrian Development Agency, and the World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator.
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The year started with a major foreshadowing of growing ties when the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held the Keynote talk at the ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA AFRICA DAY in Vienna, Austria. With various leaders, prominent global business leaders present, the President delivered an address on the theme of “Africa Rising.”
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Fast forward to today the Austrian footprint in Ghana and West Africa has risen even higher. Austria has recently opened an embassy in Ghana, which didn't just signal a political strengthening of the relationship—it also ushered in a wave of new business opportunities. The new embassy has become a gateway for Austrian companies, facilitating deeper economic ties and partnerships across the region.
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A prime example of this is the signing of a €20.4 million contract between FIMA Industries and KOMPTECH GmbH Austrian leaders in recycling and green ecosystems, and Zoomlion Ghana Ltd. Africa's largest waste management company. This deal, which will establish two waste treatment plants in Lagos, highlights Austria's growing influence in the circular economy. These plants will tackle Lagos' chronic waste problem by converting organic matter into compost and recovering valuable materials for further use.
The project, which is expected to create over 4,000 jobs—half of which are targeted for women—will also reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 million metric tons over the next decade
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Beyond the waste management sector, Austria’s presence is also felt in construction and infrastructure through companies like STRABAG, which is involved in sanitation & water construction projects, and Erste Group which has been financing hospital projects in Ghana. These efforts further illustrate Austria's expanding role as a key player in the West African economy.
With the opening of the new Ghanaian embassy in Austria, political and business ties between the two nations are only expected to grow stronger. Austria’s involvement in sectors like green, climate, energy, agritech, and infrastructure is making waves in the region, positioning the country to be a major driver of economic and environmental transformation.
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Which sector in Ghana do you believe would benefit the most from Austria’s green tech advancements?
Let me know in the comments
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*AgriTech Round table participants from photo above from left to Right
Norbert Totschnig - Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (Austria)
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Project Manager (PMP) | Partnerships | Africa Tech | Startup Ecosystem Enabler
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6 个月Vienna???? The thinkers paradise! The environment just breeds class, innovation and forward thinking ! I loved it and I advocate that we should do more to have conversations for bilateral agreements with Austria and Ghana.
Tech Sector Growth Lead International Trade Centre Ghana | Ecosystem Enabler | Advisor to Startups, Development Partners, and Investors | Program Manager | Public Speaker | Advocate for Innovation and Trade Across Africa
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