In a joint statement between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and TradeMark Africa on January 27, 2023, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor (MP) and Amb. Erastus Mwencha, the Board Chairman of TradeMark Africa (TMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on improving Ghana’s trade infrastructure and environment. This is part of the Government’s effort to enhance trade competitiveness within the context of the National AfCFTA Policy Framework and Action Plan.
The MoU was signed during the launch of TradeMark Africa in Ghana at Peduase Valley Resort, Aburi in the Republic of Ghana, in the presence of H.E Wamkele Mene, the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area; Hon. Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister in charge of International Trade, the Chief Executive Officer of TradeMark Africa, Mr. David Beer and heads of relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies and Distinguished Guests.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry acting through the National AfCFTA Coordination Office and the newly launched TradeMark Africa by this MoU affirmed their commitment and determination to improving trade-related infrastructure and environment in efforts to enhance the performance of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor to support intra-African trade as envisioned by the AfCFTA Agreement. The MoU marks the official start of TMA operations in Ghana and the next logical step as the Government of Ghana and TMA work to reduce costs and time it takes to trade across borders in Ghana.
The two partners will work together to support the development of trade infrastructure, digitalisation of cross-border trade systems, harmonisation of trade processes and procedures along the Abidjan-Lagos trading corridor to improve turnaround time for export and imports in the sub-region. The collaboration is expected to further foster the development of platforms for Ghana’s private sector to resolve cross-border trade issues; supporting policies to promote e-commerce with a focus on women traders, youth and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
TMA will provide financial, technical, capacity building and logistical support to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Ghana as well as the private sector and civil society organisations that will be involved in the implementation of the support programme to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the National AfCFTA Coordination Office.
TMA is a leading aid for trade organisation that was set up in Nairobi in 2010 to promote prosperity through trade in Africa and is currently expanding its footprint across Africa with Ghana being its first country of operation in West Africa.
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor (MP), Ghana’s Minister in Charge of Trade and Industry said: “The Government of Ghana is happy to work with TradeMark Africa to deploy solutions on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor at the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post. The Government will also work with the Governments of Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, the AfCFTA Secretariat and ECOWAS Commission to ensure that we facilitate trade in sub-region.”
Ambassador Erastus Mwencha, Board Chairman of TMA, said: “We thank the Government of Ghana for the strong partnership forged today and we look forward to jointly generating impact for trade and prosperity for all Ghanaians. Powered by our success in 13 other countries, we are confident that our partnership will deliver the necessary reforms that will increase Ghana’s market competitiveness which will in turn translate to the much needed jobs in targeted sectors.”
