Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially commenced the first round of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), pointing to a stronger and more practical partnership in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The talks, which bring together trade and technical teams from both sides, are designed to establish a modern framework that extends beyond conventional trade arrangements. Speaking on behalf of Ghana, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the process as a “bold and strategic milestone,” underscoring what she termed a maturing economic partnership between Accra and Abu Dhabi.
She indicated that the proposed agreement is expected to cover a wide scope of cooperation, including “trade in goods and services,” investment promotion, digital commerce, innovation, industrialisation, and sustainable economic growth. According to her, the framework is closely aligned with Ghana’s broader economic transformation agenda, particularly efforts to strengthen export diversification, accelerate industrial development, and expand opportunities for youth and women-led enterprises.
Ghana also positioned its role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat as a strategic advantage in the negotiations, with officials highlighting the potential to reinforce the country’s standing as a continental trade and investment hub.
On the UAE side, Minister for Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Ghana, calling for progress on key technical areas including legal and institutional frameworks, “trade facilitation,” rules of origin, and customs procedures. He urged negotiators to advance discussions within the ongoing three-day session toward a mutually beneficial agreement.
The CEPA talks are expected to lay the groundwork for expanded market access and improved investment flows, as both countries seek to reposition their economic relations within a more structured and long-term partnership framework.
