The 80th edition of the Exporters’ Forum has been held in Accra under the theme “Growing Ghana’s Export Capacity; Catalyst for Economic Growth.”

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Access Bank PLC organised the event, which brings together influential figures in Ghana’s export sector to develop strategies for enhancing the export environment and fostering economic growth.

The 80th Exporters’ Forum was held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the Africa Trade House in Accra

Addressing participants, the CEO of GEPA, Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, assured exporters of GEPA’s commitment to supporting them in improving the quality and quantity of their product supply base.

She said GEPA’s work extends to the continuous development of “Made in Ghana” products and services as well as local SMEs through programmes such as Women Icons Regional Exhibitions and the Youth in Export Programme (YiEP).

Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of GEPA

Such initiatives, she said, align with Ghana’s National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), which targets generating USD 25.3 billion in export revenue by 2029, a substantial leap from the current USD 3.5 billion.

She announced that GEPA has expanded its Export School to all seven regional locations in Ghana to enhance human capacity through training in export fundamentals.

In collaboration with the International Trade Center (ITC) and the Institute of Exports and International Trade (IoE&IT), GEPA is offering a one-year diploma in International Trade to Ghanaian exporters.

Samuel Dentu, Deputy CEO of GEPA

In 2022, Ghana’s non-traditional exports generated USD 3.5 billion in revenue, with the manufactured and semi-manufactured products sector contributing significantly.

According to Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, the success reflects GEPA’s dedication to enhancing exporters’ capabilities and boosting global competitiveness, leading to increased foreign exchange inflows for the local economy.

The Minister of Trade and Industry (MoTI), Kobina Tahiru Hammond, commended GEPA for establishing the first-ever ‘Ghana Trade House’ in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

He said plans are underway for the opening of another trade centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and other key African cities, with the aim of exploring opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Kobina Tahir Hammond, Minister of Trade & Industry

My Ministry is focused on transforming our industrial base and making sure that our economy is driven by the export of value-added products. The ten-point agenda for industrialization prioritizes key sectors such as automobile, pharmaceutical, textiles and garments, industrial salt, and cassava.

Hon. K.T. Hammond called for a stronger collaboration between exporters and GEPA to accelerate efforts to achieve the goals of Ghana’s National Export Development Strategy.

Initiated in 1987, the Exporters’ Forum provides a platform for discovering ‘on-the-spot’ answers to problems faced by exporters in their line of work. It also provides exporters with information on export-related policies and programmes.