Ghana and Kenya Strengthen Trade Ties to Boost AfCFTA

Ghana has expressed its eagerness to partner with Kenya in promoting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signaling a significant step towards deepening regional integration and enhancing trade across the continent. Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur, the National Coordinator of AfCFTA in Ghana, emphasized the importance of this collaboration during a recent meeting with a delegation of business executives from Kenya. The delegation visited the Africa Trade House in Accra to discuss strategies for trading under AfCFTA, reflecting both nations’ commitment to building a robust regional economy.

Dr. Fareed highlighted the strong capabilities of both Ghana and Kenya to work together towards a successful implementation of AfCFTA. He stressed that the partnership aims to harness the economic potential of the region, fostering growth and resilience. Ghana, recognizing the important role of AfCFTA, has established a national secretariat to coordinate and facilitate activities related to the trade agreement.

Ghana and Kenya were among the first countries to ratify the AfCFTA agreement, setting a precedent for others to follow. Dr. Fareed emphasized the need for these two nations to provide the necessary leadership to encourage other African countries to join the initiative. By working together, Ghana and Kenya aim to create a cohesive and efficient trading environment that benefits the entire continent.

A notable development in this partnership is the establishment of a one-stop shop in Nairobi, Kenya, designed to promote Ghanaian products. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), aims to showcase the finished products of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Ghana. The Ghana Trade House in Nairobi serves as a platform for Ghanaian businesses to enter the East African market, with plans to replicate this model in other African countries. This initiative demonstrates the practical steps being taken to enhance intra-African trade and support SMEs.

Mikaela Mwangura, the Chief Executive Officer of Eminence Global of Kenya, led the Kenyan delegation. She expressed enthusiasm for learning from Ghana’s intra-continental trade program and adapting similar strategies for Kenya. Bedan Mwatha, the Commercial Director of James Finlays, one of the world’s leading tea producers, highlighted his company’s interest in leveraging AfCFTA to enter the Ghanaian market. He acknowledged the healthy business environment in Ghana, which presents promising opportunities for international businesses. This sentiment was echoed by Kennedy Murangiri Nyaga, the Director of Finance of Reddamac Leather Company in Kenya. Nyaga proposed a partnership with Ghanaian leather producers to develop the sector across the continent under AfCFTA. Such collaborations are needed in enhancing industry capabilities and creating a more interconnected African market.

The Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regional Chair of the Associations of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dela Gadzanku, commended Dr. Fareed and the AfCFTA national secretariat for their efforts in educating SMEs about the trade agreement. Gadzanku reiterated AGI’s support for promoting AfCFTA, recognizing its potential to build businesses in Ghana and stimulate the growth of the African economy.

The establishment of trade houses and one-stop shops reflects a proactive approach to fostering economic integration and creating opportunities for businesses across the continent. This partnership aims to address various challenges faced by African economies, including market access, trade barriers, and infrastructure development.