Introducing Ghana's Export Trade House: Promoting Intra-African Trade Through AfCFTA

Ghana Export Promotion Authority Collaborates with National AfCFTA Coordination Office to Launch Ghana Export Trade House in Kenya

Ghana is taking steps to enhance trade relations with Kenya and the East African region by launching an Export Trade House (ETH) in Nairobi. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with the National AfCFTA Coordination Office under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The ETH will serve as a one-stop wholesale outlet for all Made-in-Ghana products, introducing Ghanaian products strategically into the Kenyan market and promoting them to the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa. The launch of the ETH is part of Ghana's commitment to intra-Africa trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The Ghana Business Expedition to Kenya, slated for May 2023, will comprise a B2B matchmaking session with about fifty (50) critical businesses from Ghana's SME sector and interested Kenyan businesses. The exhibition of Made-in-Ghana products, Business Seminars, and Panel Sessions will be held on Days 2 and 3 of the Business Expedition.

The Ghana Trade House is at a premium business location in Block E of the Sameer Business Park. The facility includes an information desk, appropriate storage space for both perishable and non-perishable items, a meeting area for potential business partners, a working area for administrative operations, and an engaging showroom area to display a wide variety of Made-in-Ghana products. Additionally, vendors will have access to premium advertising space to promote their products.

With Kenya being the biggest market for East Africa, the Business Expo will create a platform for Ghanaian businesses to collaborate with Kenyan counterparts interested in partnering with them. The ETH initiative is part of Ghana's efforts to enhance trade and business ties with Kenya and the East African region, ultimately promoting economic growth and development.

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is the national focal point agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, mandated to develop and promote exports in Ghana through the strategic marketing of Made-in-Ghana products in the competitive global economy. The National AfCFTA Coordination Office (NCO) serves as a central point for coordinating the Government of Ghana's strategic and tactical responses to the AfCFTA agreement. The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is a voluntary business association of over 1200 members, comprising small, medium, and large-scale manufacturing and services industries.

Ghana's Ministry of Trade & Industry is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies for the promotion, growth, and development of domestic and international trade and industry. The launch of the Ghana Export Trade House in Kenya is a significant milestone in Ghana's quest to enhance trade and business ties with Kenya and the East African region, ultimately promoting economic growth and development.

The launch of the Ghana Export Trade House was graced by several dignitaries, including H.E. Damptey Bediako Asare, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr. William Anani-Abotsi, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Dentu, Deputy CEO of Operations & Finance at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Dr. Fareed Arthur, Coordinator of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Seth TwumAkwaboah, CEO of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr. Jacob Gyamfi, Stakeholder Engagement of the NCO, Mr. Kofi Addo, Chief Commercial Officer at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ruth Maafo , Director of PR at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and Ms. Nancy Vanderpuye-Orgle, Head of Procurement and National Export Development Strategy at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.