Ghana’s automobile and electric vehicle (EV) industry could become a major beneficiary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as negotiations progress to unlock regional automotive value chains, according to international trade consultant Mr Louis Yaw Afful.
Speaking at a media forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Afful said ongoing discussions on AfCFTA rules of origin for automobiles were critical to positioning Ghana within Africa’s growing vehicle assembly and manufacturing ecosystem.
He noted that while countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Egypt were already well established in automobile manufacturing, Ghana could strategically plug into the value chain by focusing on the production of components, spare parts and vehicle accessories.
“Ghana does not have to start with full vehicle manufacturing. There are significant opportunities in component production, including tyres and accessories, where the country has both historical experience and future potential,” he said.
Mr Afful recalled that Ghana previously operated a tyre manufacturing industry and argued that reviving such capabilities would enhance export competitiveness and support industrialisation efforts under AfCFTA.
Beyond conventional vehicles, he said the global transition toward electric vehicles presents an additional opening for Ghana to align with Africa’s evolving automotive supply chain, particularly in areas linked to assembly, parts manufacturing and related services.
Mr Afful also highlighted the importance of services liberalisation under AfCFTA, describing it as a potential game changer for Ghana’s tourism, maritime and transport sectors.
He explained that services such as tourism, transport, finance, information and communications technology (ICT), and professional services form the backbone of the agreement and already account for more than half of Ghana’s gross domestic product.
According to him, Ghana could leverage maritime transport to better connect its ports with key tourism destinations, including Cape Coast and Elmina, thereby easing road congestion and improving the overall visitor experience.
He pointed to Senegal as an example where maritime transport has been successfully integrated into heritage tourism to stimulate local economies.
Mr Afful urged Ghana to accelerate AfCFTA negotiations and implement supportive regulatory reforms to attract investment into the services sector and expand cross-border trade in services across the continent.
