The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana EXIM Bank, Sylvester Adinam Mensah, has highlighted the growing role of innovation and technology in reshaping agriculture, particularly as a pathway for youth employment, at the launch of the Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 in Accra.
The maiden fair, held at Independence Square under the theme “Transforming Agribusiness through Local Innovation and Technology,” is a joint initiative between the Ghana EXIM Bank and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, following a directive from John Dramani Mahama.
In his keynote address, Mr. Mensah described the fair as a transformative platform designed not only to strengthen agribusiness but also to reposition agriculture as a modern, innovation-driven sector attractive to young people.
“Agriculture today is not solely about farming; it is about engineering, innovation, data, logistics, and entrepreneurship,” he stated.
He noted that the fair brings together farmers, innovators, investors, and policymakers to foster collaboration and unlock new business opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
“This platform creates the opportunity to transform ideas and prototypes into profitable business partnerships,” he said.
Mr. Mensah emphasised that technology remains central to improving productivity, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing value addition within the sector.
“Agricultural technology helps farmers produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality, and increase incomes. It also enables processors to add value and exporters to meet global standards,” he noted.
He further underscored the need to reposition agriculture as a viable and attractive sector for the youth, capable of driving employment and economic growth.
“Agriculture must be seen not just as a means of livelihood, but as a powerful engine for trade, jobs, and industrial expansion,” he stressed.
According to him, the Agrotech Fair is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term transformation by promoting local innovation and strengthening Ghana’s export capacity.
“This fair is not just a showcase; it is a catalyst. Its true impact will be seen in new partnerships, stronger businesses, and more export-ready enterprises,” he added.
Mr. Mensah also reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting an export-led economy through targeted investments in agribusiness and value addition.
“For us, agriculture does not end at the farm gate—it extends through processing, packaging, storage, branding, distribution, and export,” he explained.
He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that sustainable progress in the sector will depend on partnerships across government, industry, finance, and research institutions.“No single institution can achieve this alone.
Progress requires strong partnerships between government, industry, financial institutions, researchers, farmers, and innovators.”
The Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 is expected to become a recurring platform to promote agricultural technology, support youth participation in agribusiness, and position Ghanaian products more competitively on the global market.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
