The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Badu Aboagye, has outlined ongoing efforts by the sector to deepen awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and equip local businesses to take advantage of its protocols, citing the sensitization of about 1,500 exporters and potential exporters across the country.
Speaking at the Citi Business Festival 2026 on the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Single Market: How Ghanaian Businesses Can Win under AfCFTA,” he said many businesses struggle to benefit from the agreement due to limited knowledge of its protocols informing the chamber’s decision to embark on such initiative aimed at deepening understanding of AfCFTA rules and equipping businesses with the knowledge needed to access wider African markets.
“We’ve organised a number of sensitisation programmes in 2023 with the support of GIZ for about 1,500 exporters and potential exporters across the country on AfCFTA protocols, market access, and how they can export,” he added.
Mark Badu noted that similar engagements have continued into 2026, with sessions held in Accra and other regions to further expand awareness of trade opportunities under AfCFTA.
He cautioned, however, that while the agreement presents opportunities, businesses must be adequately prepared to compete in larger markets.
“To trade is not a joke. It is not easy. It is not something you can just get up and say I’m trading. For a business to be able to trade, you should generate sufficient revenue way above your cost of production to enter into a different market. That is the challenge we are facing now,” he said.
He also identified high production costs and non-tariff barriers as major challenges limiting Ghanaian businesses from fully maximising export opportunities under the agreement.
The Citi Business Festival 2026 is powered by 97.3 Citi FM and Channel One TV in partnership with ABSA Bank. And it’s proudly sponsored by MTN, Zonda Tec Ghana Ltd. and Petra Trust.
