Lagos: The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has reiterated its strong commitment to enhancing intra-African trade and investment as vital components of the continent’s economic transformation agenda. Mr. Ambrose Edwin Nsarkoh, Deputy CEO of GEPA, emphasized the necessity for greater collaboration among African nations to unlock the continent’s vast investment and trade potential. This was highlighted during the Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum 2025, held in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme: ‘Unlocking Investment Potential through Intra-African Trade and Tourism.’
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nsarkoh pointed out that intra-African trade constitutes only 15 percent of Africa’s total trade volume, compared to 69 percent in Europe and 59 percent in Asia. He described this gap as ‘an enormous opportunity we must collectively seize.’ Mr. Nsarkoh explained that increased trade among African countries could create jobs for youth, retain value within economies, and build the industrial capacity necessary for sustainable development.
Mr. Nsarkoh highlighted GEPA’s strategic role in Ghana’s export-led transformation agenda. He mentioned initiatives such as the Accelerated Export Development Agenda and the government’s 24-hour economy policy, which are designed to maximize productive capacity and expand market access for Ghanaian products. He announced GEPA’s objective to raise Ghana’s export revenues from $4 billion to $10 billion by 2029, emphasizing that this target would lead to improved livelihoods, job creation, and economic resilience.
Commending the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria for its economic diplomacy efforts, Mr. Nsarkoh urged other diplomatic missions to support platforms that foster regional trade and investment. He also extended an invitation to Nigerian hosts and participants from across the continent to explore the vast opportunities Ghana offers, from cocoa to technology and agriculture to financial services.
Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), highlighted the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving inclusive growth across Africa. She described MSMEs as lifelines and the heartbeat of the economy, employing over 80 percent of people and contributing significantly to GDP. Ms. Ansei called for action to dismantle barriers preventing African MSMEs from participating fully in regional and global trade, identifying access to finance, fragmented markets, and limited digital capabilities as persistent challenges.
Ms. Ansei emphasized the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquartered in Accra, urging stakeholders to translate policies into tangible outcomes for small businesses. She noted that empowering MSMEs, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, could unlock Africa’s true economic potential. Highlighting GEA’s BizBox Project, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, she shared the goal of creating 250,000 dignified jobs with a focus on inclusivity and cross-border trade readiness.
She stressed the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and market access to ensure MSMEs lead Africa’s economic renaissance. The GIEBF 2025, the first of its kind held outside Ghana, marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral and regional economic ties within Africa. The forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and development partners for high-level discussions, exhibitions, and networking sessions focused on leveraging trade and tourism as engines for job creation, innovation, and shared prosperity.