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Dean Adansi drives the value-enhancement initiative as Lord Boateng, Governor Buah Saidy, and top central bank representatives convene with business leaders for three days of elevated discussions in London.
The Ghana International Bank (GHIB) has wrapped up GHIBCONVERGE 2025, its premier platform for leadership discussions and impactful conversations, following three days of deep dialogue about the future of African trading activities and financial systems.
Held in the City of London between 6th and 8th August 2025, the gathering united decision-makers, investors, resource industry leaders, legal professionals, and development consultants from throughout Africa and worldwide markets with the aim of developing practical approaches to transition the region away from reliance on unprocessed resources toward high-value commerce, backed by responsible financial practices and interconnected facilities.
With the theme ‘Reimagining Commodity Finance for Development’, the event examined the possibilities and necessary structural changes to boost Africa’s industrial growth, enhance its trading standing, and discover fresh income streams.
Dean Adansi – Funding the transition towards added value
During his initial comments, GHIB CEO Dean Adansi argued for transforming Africa’s commodity export system. He pointed out that only 14% of Africa’s exports consist of products with added value—a statistic that hasn’t changed over many years—and emphasized that this situation signifies an unclaimed potential valued at billions in missed revenue from trade.
We have unutilized billions in export earnings as long as we keep exporting raw cocoa rather than chocolate, raw gold instead of refined bullion, and raw cashews instead of processed kernels,” said Mr. Adansi to those present. “Financial options are available, but they demand coordination among banks, government officials, and businesses.
He suggested establishing specialized funding mechanisms aimed at adding value, increasing structured trade financing for processing facilities, and encouraging shared-risk agreements among African and international financial institutions. Additionally, he called for aligning regulations throughout African nations to facilitate the seamless movement of finished products within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Perspectives from the Central Bank – Gold processing, expansion, and endurance
A main address titled “Africa’s Growth via Commodities” included Governor Buah Saidy from the Central Bank of The Gambia, who provided an honest evaluation of how commodities can contribute to economic stability. “
For far too long, Africa’s natural resource riches have been sent abroad in their most basic state, taking profit and employment with them,” Governor Saidy stated. “By developing local processing capabilities, establishing regional supply networks, and ensuring more equitable trading conditions, we can stabilize our currencies, boost reserves, and build enduring economic strength.
The Bank of Ghana was represented by its First Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakaria Mumuni, who highlighted the institution’s dedication to increasing local gold refinement capabilities and incorporating ESG factors into policies governing the commodities sector.
He emphasized that processing raw materials locally could decrease Ghana’s reliance on imported refined gold and serve as protection against fluctuations in international markets. “The long-term economic stability of Ghana hinges on our capacity to extract greater value from the resources we generate,” stated the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
Boosting our local gold refinement capabilities goes beyond boosting export earnings; it involves strengthening our reserve stability, enhancing our trade position, and making sure Ghanaian citizens gain greater direct advantages from the resources they possess.
Lord Boateng – Commodities as a Strategic Tool
During a speech on Day Two, Lord Paul Boateng, ex-UK Cabinet Minister and member of the GHIB Board, stated that Africa should view its natural resource commodities as strategic political tools. “Essential minerals, cocoa, gold—these aren’t simply entries in a trading account,” remarked Lord Boateng. “They serve as leverage within an evolving world structure, and Africa needs to utilize them to gain technological exchange, infrastructure development, and long-term economic networks.”
His comments set the stage for a panel conversation about the competition for key minerals; an industry expected to gain from rising worldwide demand for battery materials and sustainable energy resources. Panel members explored the regulatory structures and financial approaches required to help Africa transition from mere resource extraction to processing and advanced production, especially within electric vehicle supply chains.
Key Points – Scope, detail, and approaches
Over the course of three days, #GHIBCONVERGE 2025 featured various sessions and informal discussions exploring the world of commodity finance with comprehensive coverage:
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Trade of goods driving economic revival:
Experts outlined Africa’s present commodity landscape and examined financial shortfalls that hinder the growth of processing sectors. Examples demonstrated how cocoa and cashew processing have taken initial steps toward increasing value. -
Innovative approaches to trade finance – The example of cocoa:
Viewing Ghana’s cocoa industry through a specific perspective, this conversation explored ways to design blended financial approaches and future agreements to assist small-scale farmers and producers. -
Minerals and petroleum finance:
Leaders from the mining, energy, and financial industries discussed ways to develop attractive funding arrangements for major resource extraction initiatives while integrating local participation criteria. -
Artificial intelligence and blockchain in trade financing:
Digital ledger technology was showcased through practical examples in trade paperwork, minimizing fraudulent activities, and monitoring products during transportation. -
Key elements for success in commodity trading:
In this meeting, bank professionals and specialists in trade financing gathered to analyze the key factors behind successful commodity finance transactions, including credit risk evaluation and asset administration. -
Risk management in contemporary commodities financing:
Insurance companies, financial institutions, and merchants explored redesigning mechanisms for sharing risks in order to lower expenses associated with transactions and enhance opportunities for smaller participants. -
Risks of financial misconduct in trade financing:
Professionals from risk management companies and financial institutions discussed adherence to sanctions regulations, counter-money laundering procedures, and measures against funding for proliferation. -
Commodity trade infrastructure options:
Experts emphasized that without dependable harbors, power networks, and transportation routes, even the most advanced financial strategies may fail. -
Views from the legal field on new developments:
Legal professionals specializing in commodity financing examined the changing regulatory environment, emerging arbitration patterns, and mechanisms for resolving conflicts in international trade. -
Agro-commodity finance:
Experts discussed methods of funding agricultural supply chains, aligning short-term liquidity requirements with extended investments in processing infrastructure.
Environmental, Social, and Governance factors along with enduring market advantage
A common topic was the importance of embedding sustainability at each phase of the supply chain. The conversation included sustainable financing options, ethical procurement standards, and measuring environmental impact as key factors that can set African exports apart in eco-aware markets.
Partnerships and recognition
The event also provided an opportunity for strategic cooperation. GHIB revealed a collaboration with Vista Bank aimed at enhancing trade financing options throughout West Africa. During the conference’s final ceremony, GHIB honored Mr. Edmund Poku, CEO of Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd., with its first Trader of the Year award, acknowledging the firm’s outstanding efforts in boosting African commodity value creation. Niche Cocoa has become a prime illustration of how African manufacturers can succeed in international markets by manufacturing completed and partially processed cocoa goods in large quantities, generating employment, and keeping greater economic benefits within the region. Mr. Poku’s management style was praised as representative of the innovative spirit essential for reshaping Africa’s trading system.
Conclusion – An appeal for united effort
During his final speech, Mr. Adansi reaffirmed GHIB’s dedication to connecting African possibilities with international investment. “This change won’t be driven solely by governments or the private sector. It needs a group of determined individuals who look past immediate profits and focus on building lasting prosperity for Africa. GHIB will remain this link—between African prospects and global finance, between untapped promise and tangible success.”
CONVERGE serves as GHIB’s leading event for thought leadership, tailored to capitalize on the bank’s vast expertise and utilize its wide-ranging connections with partners, customers, and even rival organizations. The concept of CONVERGE was developed from the Bank’s well-regarded ‘Summer School,’ an initiative that has enhanced the skills of numerous banking, treasury, and corporate leaders across West Africa over the years. Via this forum, the bank seeks to launch an ongoing sequence of discussions centered around developing, debating, and putting into action fresh concepts aimed at promoting the expansion of African commerce.
GHIB is an officially recognized legal organization based in the United Kingdom. For six decades, the Bank has operated within the City of London, which stands among the globe’s most prominent financial hubs. It serves various entities including financial institutions, sovereign nations, parastatal organizations, corporations, small and medium enterprises, and members of the diaspora community. GHIB holds a distinct position as a Ghana-owned institution licensed by the UK’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), also supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA itself. This regulatory framework enables the Bank to bridge connections between global and African markets through its deep understanding of Africa combined with extensive international correspondent banking relationships, offering tailored services to clients and collaborators. Trade Finance constitutes GHIB’s primary area of operation, supported by departments such as Correspondent and Corporate Banking, Treasury Services, and Transactional Banking.
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