The ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), hosted a dynamic side event at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, focusing on enhancing export competitiveness and fostering intra-regional trade across Africa.
The event served as a vibrant platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from ECOWAS member states and Ghana to explore trade opportunities and tackle challenges hindering commerce within West Africa and beyond. The session underscored the importance of regional integration and collaborative efforts to drive economic growth.
Mr. Raymond Rashid Kramer, GEPA’s Deputy CEO for Marketing and Public Relations, represented CEO Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, Esq., and highlighted GEPA’s strategic initiatives. These efforts aim to deepen trade integration, boost export promotion, and increase the participation of women and youth in regional markets. Kramer emphasized GEPA’s commitment to empowering businesses to thrive in competitive global markets.
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, outlined key programs and policies designed to streamline trade across the sub-region. His remarks focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, reinforcing ECOWAS’s role in facilitating seamless cross-border commerce.
The discussions were lively and insightful, with Ghanaian exhibitors and their ECOWAS counterparts sharing experiences and showcasing a diverse range of products. Beyond the main session, Ghana’s creative designers made a strong impression at the Canex section of the IATF, displaying innovative Made-in-Ghana exports that highlighted the country’s rich creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
