The Ghana-Russia Commercial Relations Center has established formal relations with the Tatarstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kazan, becoming the first organization to establish cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Republic.
Our involvement in Kazan signals the potential for two economically vibrant regions with complementary strengths. Ghana Russia Center CEO John Aggrey and Business Development Director Ziona Ayorkol Holm led the Ghanaian delegation. Tatarstan Special Economic Zone Alabuga was represented by Deputy Project Leader Konstantin Trifonov and Chief Specialist Chulpan Islamova. Shamil Ageev, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed enthusiasm about Ghana’s interest in cooperation.
Ghana brings rich gold deposits, robust cocoa production, and a rapidly growing technological environment to the partnership. Tatarstan offers industrial expertise in oil refining, car manufacturing, and software development. This cooperation promises increased trade, investment opportunities, technology transfer and knowledge exchange between West Africa and Russia’s industrial heartland.
Mr. Ageev emphasized that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays an important role in promoting dialogue between the business community, government and society in order to promote sustainable socio-economic growth. Tatarstan actively promotes national projects of international cooperation and exports and strengthens its commitment to world trade. The Republic realigned its exports away from Western markets and towards Eastern partnerships in response to geopolitical changes.
Mr Aggrey highlighted Ghana’s favorable environment and business environment which attracts investors. He emphasized that Ghana is ready to deepen economic ties and leverage mutual benefits through institutions such as the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. According to Aggrey, the Ghana Investment Promotion Center welcomes investors with open arms, citing GIPC’s vision to make Ghana the first choice for investment in Africa.
This partnership is based on developing Ghana-Russia relations through multiple institutional cooperation. The Ghana-Russia Center has previously entered into a partnership with Synergy University in November 2024 for academic and cultural cooperation, and with Ukhta National Technical University in September 2025 for educational cooperation. The Center, in collaboration with the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, hosted West Africa’s first International Business Cats Olympics in July 2025.
Tatarstan has a prosperous industrial base focused on petrochemicals, automobile production, and technological development. The Chamber of Commerce of the Republic maintains an extensive international network that fosters business partnerships across continents. Chairman Ageev is leading efforts to expand Tatarstan’s representative offices in friendly countries to help exporters access new markets.
The Ghana-Russia Center launched the “Work in Russia, Grow in Ghana” program in early 2025, which aims to create employment opportunities for Ghanaians in Russia, while encouraging Russian investment in Ghana. The initiative aims to benefit both countries through skills transfer and economic development. The center’s mission focuses on unlocking economic potential and investment opportunities between Ghana and Russia.
Ghana maintains its position as a keystone of the West African economy due to its rich natural resources and emerging areas of innovation. The country’s gold mining, agricultural exports and expanding digital economy are attracting international partnerships. Ambassador of the Russian Federation Sergey Berdnikov previously emphasized the increased trade opportunities under the new conditions after the geopolitical realignment.
Tatarstan is actively developing partnerships with African countries as part of a broader Russia-Africa cooperation framework. The Republic participated in the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Ministerial Meeting held in Cairo on December 19 and 20, 2025. Regional chambers of commerce go beyond diplomatic declarations and play an important role in connecting businesses and promoting concrete economic projects.
The combination of Ghana’s natural resources and new technological innovations with Tatarstan’s advanced industry represents a dynamic model of transcontinental cooperation. Diverse economic ecosystems are intertwined for shared prosperity through structured institutional frameworks. This partnership has the potential to create further bridges between Africa and Russia in the field of business and development.
Trade between Russia and African countries continues to expand despite Western sanctions pressure. Russia is seeking an expanded role in Africa’s energy infrastructure, rail development, and continent-wide port partnerships. The Joint Commission Mechanism for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation strengthens bilateral relations with several African countries.
Ghana’s favorable business environment includes competitive corporate tax rates, investment incentives, and access to regional markets through economic community agreements. The country offers stable democratic governance, a strong legal framework, and infrastructure development that attracts foreign direct investment. Russian companies exploring African markets see Ghana as an attractive gateway to regional integration in West Africa.
