Irish food minister's trade mission to West Africa arrives in Ghana

Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney finished the Nigerian chapter of his West Africa trade mission in Lagos on Thursday.

“This week has really highlighted the opportunity for Irish companies in this huge market,” Coveney said. “I am delighted to … witness some of the business being advanced in the agri-food, ICT, energy and education sectors. The Nigerian-Irish relationship … contains significant room for further growth."

Coveney’s Nigerian visit culminated in the introduction of a new Guinness brand — Guinness Africa Special — and a new production facility for Ornua. Guinness Nigeria, founded in 1962 as the first Guinness brewery outside of the United Kingdom, employs over 2,200 workers. The new Ornua plant will process Irish milk into powdered products under the Kerrygold brand.

“Kerrygold, Guinness and Kerry Ingredients are all iconic Irish brands, and their investments in Nigeria are the latest of a series of major global investments for these companies,” Coveney said, adding that he has extended an invitation to Nigerian government and industry leaders to visit Ireland. “I am always proud to see sustainably produced premium Irish products and brands on sale all over the world.”

Ghana, the next leg of Coveney’s trip, represents a key potential opportunity for Irish exports, particularly beef. Coveney will have bilateral discussions with Fifi Kwetey, Ghana's minister for Food and Agriculture.

“I am very pleased to be here in Ghana this week, a country which is now firmly established as one of our key trading partners,” Coveney upon his arrival in Ghana later on Thursday. “It … is now one of our primary non-EU export destinations. The next two days here will be about exploring further opportunities for cooperation between Ghana and Ireland across a range of sectors, from agro-food to energy to education.”