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Stanbic Bank Leads Charge to Unlock Diaspora Investment Potential as Ghana Creates Investment-Friendly Environment
Ghana’s financial sector is actively mobilizing to capture diaspora investment potential, with major banks launching specialized initiatives to facilitate investment from African Americans and other diaspora communities. Stanbic Bank Ghana has hosted a diaspora engagement event, bringing together individuals from the diaspora who have expressed strong interest in investing in Ghana.
“The diaspora’s investment isn’t just capital — it’s a return home. Every cedi reinvested here is a bridge between past roots and future prosperity.”
Michael Tetteh, Financial Consultant
Strategic Banking Initiative:
“As a financial institution, we are exploring how we can partner with them to facilitate their settlement and investment plans. We see untapped opportunities in this space and are committed to creating solutions that will enable these individuals to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development,” said a Stanbic Bank representative.
Comprehensive Financial Solutions:
The Head of International Private Banking and Diaspora Banking, Mr. Nana Owiredu-Gyamera, highlighted Stanbic’s extensive experience: “With over 160 years of experience and a presence in 18 African countries, Stanbic Bank is well-equipped to meet the personal and business needs of our clients. From current accounts and savings to business solutions and foreign exchange services, we are dedicated to supporting the financial aspirations of the diaspora community”.
Investment Climate Improvements:
Ghana boasts democratic governance, a large and cost-effective labour force, abundant natural resources, and stable institutions, making it one of the most open economies to foreign equity ownership in the region. The government has acknowledged the need to strengthen its business enabling environment to attract FDI, and is taking steps to overhaul the regulatory system.
Attractive Incentives for Young Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs aged 35 years and under are granted a five year corporate tax holiday if they are engaged in specific businesses including manufacturing, ICT, agro-processing, energy production, waste processing, tourism and creative arts, horticulture and medicinal plants. Such entrepreneurs also enjoy a rebate on corporate tax rates ranging from 5% to 15% for five years after the tax holiday.
Key Investment Sectors for 2025:
Investment opportunities include mechanized farming and irrigation systems, agro-processing plants for value addition, export-oriented organic farming for global markets, fintech innovations to support cashless transactions, and partnerships in exploration and production.
Diaspora Citizenship Pathway:
Ghana’s Citizenship Initiative links diaspora members with investment opportunities, fostering inclusivity and driving economic growth. By granting citizenship, Ghana opens the door to increased investment opportunities across various sectors.
International Finance Corporation Support:
As of March 2025, the International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s portfolio in Ghana includes $345 million in investments and $6.3 million in advisory services, supporting key sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, health, and access to finance.
Pan-African Leadership Institute Partnership:
The President and Co-Founder of PALI, Dr. Kofi Osei-Kusi, commended Stanbic’s role, stating: “The Institute aims to collaborate with the bank to engage with leaders in the diaspora who have a strong interest in Africa but are unsure where to start. We’re excited about the reception and the warmth that we’ve had, and we look forward to collaborating with Stanbic Bank”.
Regulatory Improvements:
The government has presented a bill to Parliament to amend the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, seeking to allow non-Ghanaian citizens to participate in enterprises currently reserved for Ghanaians, and eliminate minimum foreign capital requirements for wholly-owned foreign enterprises and joint ventures.
Strategic Opportunities for Diaspora Investors:
- Real estate development in emerging urban centers
- Technology and fintech leveraging Ghana’s digital economy drive
- Manufacturing under the 24hr economy initiative
- Renewable energy projects supporting the drive towards clean energy
- Tourism and hospitality capitalizing on record visitor growth
This coordinated effort by Ghana’s financial sector to engage diaspora investors reflects the country’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for diaspora investment and economic participation. With supportive policies, attractive incentives, and dedicated financial services, Ghana is positioning itself as the premier destination for diaspora investment in Africa.
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