SEP 27 – Ghana is using Nairobi as a strategic hub to expand exports to the whole of the East African Region, which includes countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, among others.
The Ghana Trade House was established by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and plays an important role in marketing West Africa’s non-traditional exports (NTEs).
It forms part of the umbrella 10-year National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) launched in October 2020 to transform Ghana’s export landscape through an increase in revenue from non-traditional exports.
“This highly ambitious and commendable strategy is chasing a revenue target of USD 25.3 billion by the year 2029 and places Ghana in the spotlight of the global export market,” Ghana Trade House said in a statement.
“This is the first of its kind in East Africa and represents one strategic objective of GEPA through the AfCFTA for increased intra-African trade, exploit new market opportunities, and foster closer economic relations throughout the continent.”
Currently, there are more than 250 varieties of Ghanaian products, totaling over 6,500 items sold and marketed.
They cut across many industries: textiles, food and beverages, cosmetics, handicrafts, etc.
“The Trade House not only acts as a retail outlet but also as a wholesale distribution center that assists Ghanaian businesses in efficiently reaching the East African market,” it added.
“Products at the Trade House are carefully curated to fit the diverse interests of regional consumers representing premium quality and the distinctive heritage of Ghana.”
“Such diversification shows the breadth and depth of NTEs in Ghana, which, over these years, has been significant in the country’s policy of diversifying the economy from traditional commodities such as unprocessed gold, cocoa beans, lumber, and oil.”
Similarly, the Trade House serves to simplify often complex logistical challenges associated with international trade, facilitating the consolidation of products, receipt, processing, and fulfilling orders on behalf of Ghanaian businesses.
“The vision of GEPA looks beyond Nairobi to the replication of this model in other African countries, targeting key markets that are crucial to the growth of Ghana’s NTEs.”
“In Ghana’s march towards attaining the aspirations of the NEDS, the Ghana Trade House in Nairobi will constantly be an important instrument in this endeavour.”
“Over the next few years, GEPA intends to expand operations, diversify products on offer, and consolidate the relationships that it has built up with Kenyan businesses and consumers.”
