Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed the government’s strategy to support local enterprises through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, emphasising Ghana’s drive toward deeper economic integration across the continent.
Speaking at the Ghana Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow held recently in Accra, the Minister said Ghana is fast-tracking the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, positioning itself as a continental leader in promoting intra-African trade and industrialisation.
By transitioning from commodity-based exports to value-added products, Ghana aims to unlock new opportunities for its businesses across Africa.
Her remarks, delivered on her behalf by Benjamin Kwaku Asiam, Acting National Coordinator of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, highlighted the importance of robust trade infrastructure, access to finance, and market entry strategies in supporting Ghanaian businesses.
“Through our Market Expansion Programme, we are providing firm-level support to over 2,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country,” she stated.
“This includes training on the AfCFTA’s Rules of Origin, market readiness programmes, and trade finance initiatives.
Ghanaian businesses have also participated in targeted trade missions to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, where they engaged potential partners and negotiated supply contracts.”
The Business Roadshow, one of five being held across key African cities ahead of IATF2025 in Algiers, brought together government representatives, trade experts, investors and officials from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The event was held under the theme: Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness through AfCFTA.
In his keynote address, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, described IATF2025 as a transformative platform.
“The IATF is not just an event, it is a catalyst for turning the promise of AfCFTA into concrete outcomes: trade deals, investments, and jobs.
“By integrating African markets, AfCFTA drives value addition, specialisation and economic diversification,” he said.
Echoing this view, Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research at Afreximbank, emphasised that IATF2025 represents the commercial heartbeat of the AfCFTA initiative.
“Trade cannot flourish in the absence of accurate, timely, and actionable market intelligence,” he noted.
“IATF2025 addresses this gap, bringing together over 2,000 exhibitors and buyers from 140 countries, with expected trade and investment deals exceeding US$44 billion.”
With the fair scheduled for September 4–10, 2025 Algeria is ramping up preparations to host the continent’s premier trade event.
Algeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mourad Louhaidia, reassured participants of his country’s commitment to facilitating a smooth experience.
“We will ensure a seamless process, including expedited visa arrangements and logistical support for all Ghanaian participants,” he announced.
IATF2025 will feature a wide range of activities, including trade exhibitions, investment forums, youth and cultural programs, and the Africa Automotive Show.
The event aims to strengthen business-to-business and government-to-business linkages and to promote a new era of African economic cooperation under the AfCFTA framework.
