Ghana is repositioning its export development agenda as the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) marks its 10th anniversary, with a renewed focus on industrial transformation, export competitiveness, and import substitution.
Speaking at an international conference to commemorate the milestone, Sylvester Adinam Mensah outlined a strategic reset aimed at strengthening Ghana’s shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based, export-led growth model.
The event was attended by the Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, ministers of state, members of parliament, development finance institutions, private sector leaders, and international partners.
A Decade of Growth, But More Work Ahead
In a keynote address, Sylvester Adinam Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM acknowledged the bank’s progress over the past decade, while emphasizing the need for stronger outcomes.
“It is important not only to celebrate how far we have come, but also to be candid about the work that remains,” he said.
“Ten years is long enough to celebrate progress, but also long enough to insist on stronger delivery, sharper focus, and measurable results.”
Since its establishment in 2016, GEXIM has expanded its loan portfolio from US$68 million to US$278 million by the end of 2025, supporting 147 companies nationwide. Annual import levy collections also increased from US$34 million to US$71 million over the same period.
Despite these gains, officials stressed that success must be measured beyond financial growth.
“Progress cannot be measured by scale alone,” the speaker noted. “It must be measured by relevance, additionality, impact, and the quality of outcomes we help to produce.”
Key Lessons from 10 Years of Execution
Reflecting on a decade of operations, three major lessons were highlighted as shaping the bank’s future direction.
“Finance by itself is not enough,” the speaker stated. “Businesses need a complete support system—not just access to capital.”
The address also underscored that export competitiveness is built across the entire production chain.
“Export competitiveness is built long before goods arrive at a port,” the speaker said. “It is rooted in productivity, efficiency, quality assurance, logistics, and management discipline.”
In addition, the importance of balancing ambition with institutional discipline was emphasized.
“We must be bold enough to support transformation, but rigorous enough to preserve the quality of our balance sheet and credibility,” the speaker added.
Five Strategic Priorities for the Next Phase
As part of its reset, GEXIM outlined five key commitments to guide its operations over the next decade.
The bank plans to expand beyond traditional lending by offering more tailored financial instruments.
“Our objective is not merely to approve facilities, but to provide the right capital, in the right form, at the right time,” the speaker explained.
Sector focus will also be sharpened, particularly in agro-processing, garments, pharmaceuticals, industrial oils, and key food value chains such as rice and poultry.
“We will concentrate on building complete production ecosystems rather than supporting isolated firms,” the address noted.
Support for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is also expected to increase significantly.
“Our goal is to move firms from potential to bankability, and from bankability to participation in global value chains,” the speaker said.
In addition, GEXIM will prioritize market access initiatives, including trade missions, business linkages, and e-commerce readiness.
“GEXIM must not only provide capital but also connect businesses to markets,” the speaker emphasized.
The institution also plans to modernize its internal systems.“Responsiveness, transparency, and speed matter,” the speaker stated. “We will prioritize digital tools, stronger portfolio management, and improved client service.”
Anchored in National Development Goals
The reset strategy aligns with GEXIM’s 2025–2030 development plan, which targets increased non-traditional exports, improved food security, job creation, and higher foreign exchange earnings.
“These are ambitious targets, as they should be,” the speaker said. “But targets alone do not transform economies execution does.”
Call for Partnerships
The conference also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors.
“For GEXIM, partnership is not optional it is essential,” the speaker stressed, calling for deeper cooperation with government agencies, regulators, financial institutions, and private sector players.
Acknowledging Leadership and Vision
The Chief Executive Officer for Ghana Exim Bank paid tribute to John Dramani Mahama for his role in establishing the bank, along with successive governments, boards, management, and stakeholders.
“The next frontier for GEXIM will be defined by the enterprises we build, the sectors we scale, and the markets we help Ghanaian firms enter,” the speaker said.
A Shift Toward Export-Led Growth
Concluding the address, officials reiterated Ghana’s long-term economic direction.
“Our work is clear: to shift Ghana from a consumption-driven import model to a production-based, export-led growth strategy,” the speaker declared.
“GEXIM is ready for the next phase—more focused, more responsive, and more impactful.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
