By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, has joined global leaders and business executives at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, which marks the start of high-level discussions on strategies to advance global investments and partnerships for sustainable development.
The European Commission, in alignment with its Global Gateway investment strategy, and the World Bank Group are deepening their collaboration to spearhead a new wave of connectivity projects across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The initial pipeline includes 18 high-impact projects in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, sectors that are essential to boosting trade, productivity, and regional integration.
Speaking ahead of her panel session on The State of the World, Vice President Opoku Agyemang emphasized Ghana’s commitment to forging partnerships that deliver measurable results for people and communities.
“We are at a point where global cooperation must translate into tangible impact. For Ghana and Africa, these partnerships must open opportunities for our youth, empower small businesses, and build resilient systems that can sustain growth over time”; she said.
She added that the Global Gateway framework aligns with Ghana’s national vision of inclusive growth and green transformation.
“Our development goals are clear ,we want investments that are not just about infrastructure, but about people. Every bridge, road, or digital network must connect lives, create jobs, and expand possibilities,” she stressed.
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, underscored that job creation is a “strategic choice” for emerging economies, explaining that employment opportunities not only expand local prosperity but also stimulate global demand.
“This partnership matters because together, the European Commission and the World Bank can align investments, unlock private capital, and deliver impactful results at an unprecedented scale,” Banga said.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, noted that the new partnership framework with the World Bank would take joint projects “to the next level.”
“Today, we are taking our partnership with the World Bank to the next level. This framework will strengthen how we govern and monitor projects in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure — ensuring that every euro invested creates long-term value for partner countries”; she said.
The Global Gateway is the European Union’s flagship external investment strategy, designed to build smart, clean, and secure connections while strengthening health, education, and research systems. For Ghana, the initiative offers opportunities to expand access to renewable energy, improve digital connectivity, and enhance the capacity of local industries.
“Ghana is ready to be part of this transformation. We are committed to partnerships that promote fairness, sustainability, and shared prosperity for all”; Vice President Opoku Agyemang affirmed.
