How to Start a Business in Ghana as a Foreigner or Diasporan

blessingonwukwe88
Aug 7
3 min read

So you’re thinking of starting a business in Ghana or somewhere in Africa but you’re not living here full-time. Maybe you’re a diasporan wanting to reconnect with home. Or maybe you’re a foreigner who sees real potential in Africa’s growing markets. Either way, it’s exciting, but it’s also not for the faint of heart.

The truth is, the process comes with unique challenges, but if you approach it strategically, you can build something powerful, sustainable, and profitable even from abroad.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned, what you need to know, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost people time, money, and peace of mind.

Let’s dive in.

1. Start With a Problem, Not Just a Product

Too many people start with “What Business Can I Do?” instead of “What Problem Can I Solve?”

In Ghana and many African markets, people are still facing everyday challenges that don’t exist in other parts of the world. The best businesses here solve real, local problems.

Whether it’s logistics, beauty, education, food, tech, or services the question is:

What problem are you uniquely positioned to solve, either because of your location, skills, or background?

2. Register Your Business - The Right Way

Please don’t skip this. If you’re serious about doing business in Ghana (or any African country), get registered properly. It makes a difference when it comes to:

• Opening a business bank account

• Securing investor or grant funding

• Building trust with suppliers or partners

• Scaling legally and sustainably

In Ghana, foreigners and diasporans may have specific documentation requirements. For example:

• You may need to register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) if you’re not a citizen.

• Depending on your visa/residency status, you might also need a local partner or business representative.

Not sure where to start or what’s required for your specific situation?

Book a Free 15-minute Discovery Call with us. We’ll help you clarify your goals, understand your options, and recommend the best next step for your business. It’s quick and tailored to you.

Book Free Discovery Call

3. Build a Reliable Local Team

Remote business isn’t impossible, but it’s risky without people you trust.

Whether you’re in the hair business, logistics, fashion, food, or tech, your team on the ground can make or break your business.

Start with:

• Clear job descriptions

• Probational periods before commitment

• Systems to track work and results

NOTE: Do not hire out of desperation. You’re building a business, not just patching a hole.

4. Understand the Culture - Both Business and Social

What works in the UK or US won’t always work here.

Business moves at a different pace.

Things like:

• Communication styles

• Payment timelines

• Regulatory bodies

• Expectations around service

If you don’t understand the rhythm of how things work, you’ll get frustrated or worse, get taken advantage of.

That’s why it helps to spend time on the ground if you can even for a few weeks or have a trusted partner do it

Attend trade shows, Meet vendors, Visit marketplaces.

You’ll learn more in a month of Observation than a year of Assumptions.

5. Start Small - Then Scale

Too many people start too big. They want an office, staff, products, website, social media, and investor funding on day one.

That’s a fast way to burn Money and lose Motivation.

Start with one offer. One product. One clear audience.

Test it. Tweak it. Then expand.

Even if you’re abroad, you can validate your business with:

• Pre-orders

• WhatsApp sales

• Instagram marketing

• Vendor marketplaces

• Digital storefronts (like Selar, Paystack, or Shopify)

Proof first. Growth later.

It’s Possible - But Do It Smart

You don’t need to wait until you move back home to start building here. You just need a smart plan, local support, and a clear understanding of how business works in this context.

I manage my businesses in Ghana while living in Denmark and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been 100% worth it.

Want help building and managing your business from anywhere in the world?

Explore our "Own a Business in Ghana" option on the Home Page

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