The National AfCFTA Coordination Office organized a pre-exhibition orientation session for selected Ghanaian companies in preparation for the upcoming Biashara Afrika 2024 Forum, which is set to occur from October 9th to 11th in Kigali, Rwanda.
Conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GIZ, and MasterCard on September 27, 2024, the orientation aimed to provide participants with practical tools to enhance their engagement at the international forum and exhibition.
The Biashara Afrika 2024 Forum will unite African businesses from 35 countries along with global enterprises to explore business development and market opportunities across the continent.
For representatives from Ghana, the forum presents a valuable opportunity for exposure, networking, and the exploration of new business partnerships within the African marketplace.
Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur, National AfCFTA Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “This is the second time the AfCFTA Secretariat is hosting the African business forum. The first was in South Africa, and this year, it will be held in Rwanda.
“We have selected companies, primarily from the small and medium enterprise sector, to participate. The goal is to build their capacity, enabling them to negotiate effectively, network, and promote Ghana on the African stage.”
According to Divine Kutortse, Programme Officer at the NCO, “The businesses selected were largely women and youth-owned,” Kutortse explained.
“This is a deliberate effort by the NCO to ensure that these groups are not left behind in the AfCFTA framework. We want to provide them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in this new trade environment.”
This initiative highlights Ghana’s dedication to fostering inclusive trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In the months preceding this mission, entrepreneurs participated in intensive training to understand the complexities of trading under the AfCFTA.
The upcoming trip to Rwanda will serve as a litmus test for the skills they have developed, providing them with real-world opportunities to engage in cross-border trade within the continent’s evolving economic landscape.
“The African Business Forum (Biashara Afrika 2024) is their chance to put into practice everything they’ve learned,” Kutortse added. “It’s not just about theoretical knowledge anymore, it’s time to test actual trade under AfCFTA in reality”.
The Ghanaian delegation comprises 12 businesses, all enthusiastic about discovering new market opportunities at the forum.
One of the participants is Victor Gollop, a representative from the construction materials industry. His company produces GFRP rebar, an innovative alternative to traditional iron rods. Regarding his expectations, he stated, “We expect to boost our growth, find reliable business partners, and open new markets in Rwanda.”
Another participant, Araba, the Strategic Alliance and Partnership Manager at World Shoe Limited, expressed similar optimism. Her company focuses on producing eco-friendly and biodegradable footwear designed to promote health.
“We are looking to network with the right stakeholders, sell our product, and change the narrative that nothing good comes from Africa. We are presenting Africa to the world in a completely different light,” she remarked.