GHANA – Italian company Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF) has launched a €90 million (US$98.5 million) agricultural production project in Aveyime-Battor, Ghana.
In Ghana, the agricultural sector contributes 21% to the GDP and employs more than 40% of the active population.
According to local media outlet Graphic Online, the project is part of a public-private partnership with the government. Ghana, which targets self-sufficiency and food security, is counting on partnerships with foreign operators to stimulate agricultural production.
The project involves the installation and development of a 5,000-hectare agricultural estate dedicated to the cultivation of rice, corn, soybeans, tomatoes, bananas and wheat.
The project managers have explained the area will eventually be expanded to 25,000 hectares and the company’s production is intended to supply the local market as well as for export.
“We believe that Ghana can greatly benefit from Italy’s expertise, know-how, technology and equipment to develop and transform its natural resources, create value and achieve food security.”
“This project will contribute immensely to the development, modernization and diversification of agro-industry in the country,” said Daniela d’Orlandi, the Italian Ambassador.
This investment was initiated as part of the Mattei plan, a “strategic partnership” program between Italy and African countries adopted by the Italian government in January 2024.
The Italian company has already initiated another agricultural production project in Algeria. The projects is aimed at developing an integrated grain, legume, and pasta production in Timimoun, located in southern part of the country.
Algerian Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Youcef Chorfa highlighted that the project, valued at €420 million (US$455 million), supports Algeria’s goal of enhancing food security as part of its national plan to develop key sectors like grains, legumes, sugar and oil plants, seeds, and milk.
Chorfa noted that this initiative was the second significant agricultural and industrial project undertaken in Algeria recently. The first was an agreement signed in April with Qatar’s Baladna company to establish a dairy farm and powdered milk production facility in Adrar province.
The minister added that these projects reflect the government’s increasing commitment to promoting agricultural investment for both public and private Algerian investors, in collaboration with international partners.
Federico Vecchioni, CEO of Bonifiche Ferraresi, underscored the strategic importance of the project, noting its international relevance.
The project will span 36,000 hectares and focus on producing wheat, lentils, dried beans, soybeans, and chickpeas. It will also feature pasta manufacturing facilities, storage silos, and other infrastructure, with the potential to create over 6,700 jobs.
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