General News of Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Economic diplomacy must be recalibrated to drive growth - Shamima Muslim

The event was organised by Diplomatic Affairs Media and Communications Ltd The event was organised by Diplomatic Affairs Media and Communications Ltd

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has called for a renewed approach to economic diplomacy, stressing the need to align diplomatic engagements with growth, resilience and inclusive development.

According to her, diplomacy must go beyond traditional state relations to actively support strategic investments, expand market access and promote equitable partnerships.

Muslim made the call while addressing a networking event for diplomats held in Accra last Sunday December 14, 2025.

She observed that both developed and developing countries were increasingly confronted with common challenges, including rising debt levels, inflation and political instability.

She noted that the distinctions that once separated developed economies from developing ones were becoming less clear.

“Vulnerability is now universal. No nation has a monopoly on stability anymore, or the wisdom to manage its crisis or resilience. And no country can address today’s challenges alone,” she said.

She explained that these realities made it imperative to rethink the role of diplomacy in today’s global economy.

Muslim emphasised that modern diplomacy must increasingly function as an economic and governance tool, facilitating strategic investment, opening markets for value-added products, encouraging technology transfer and building partnerships that are fair, transparent and mutually beneficial.

She added that Ghana’s approach to economic diplomacy was focused on promoting domestic growth while safeguarding natural resources.

Advocating value addition to raw materials, Muslim underscored the importance of integrating Africa into regional and global value chains to enhance the continent’s economic prospects.

She praised the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a major opportunity for Africa to realise its industrialisation and integration agenda.

She said achieving Africa’s transformative vision would require close collaboration among governments, diplomats, business leaders and development partners.

The event was organised by Diplomatic Affairs Media and Communications Ltd, a firm specialising in strategic communication and public diplomacy.

It brought together diplomats, industry leaders and business executives to network and explore strategic partnerships.

Held on the theme “Economic diplomacy and Africa’s industrialisation agenda: Building Africa’s integrated future,” the gathering also featured product exhibitions by participating businesses and the launch of a new magazine focused on diplomatic issues and international relations.

The Special Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, highlighted the historical significance of Ghana’s forts and castles, noting their role in understanding the legacy of slavery and strengthening international relationships.

He disclosed that the Museums and Monuments Board would engage the diplomatic community to seek support for restoring the monuments, stressing that even modest investments could yield significant cultural and educational benefits.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Diplomatic Affairs Media and Communications Ltd announced plans to organise a free food festival on Christmas Day as part of efforts to give back to the community.

She also reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to advancing women in leadership and diplomacy, announcing an upcoming International Women’s Day conference aimed at amplifying women’s voices and shaping equitable policies.

Additionally, she revealed plans for the second edition of the Diplomatic Honours in Abuja, which will recognise outstanding individuals and institutions contributing to diplomacy.

AM

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