Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare says non-tariff barriers remain one of the biggest constraints to intra-African trade, arguing that such restrictions can be more difficult for businesses to navigate than tariffs.
Her comments followed a meeting in Accra with African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals Francisca Tatchoup Belobe, who called for stronger political commitment to translate Africa’s trade frameworks into practical benefits for businesses and citizens.
The commissioner identified cross-border payment challenges, currency constraints and other trade barriers as factors preventing intra-African commerce from reaching its potential. She also highlighted efforts by institutions such as Afreximbank to improve cross-border payments.
Ghana hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, which makes removing those constraints critical to expanding the market for locally produced goods and strengthening regional value chains.
Ofosu-Adjare said Ghana has appointed a new coordinator for its AfCFTA national office to assess the country’s implementation of the agreement, identify gaps and develop a clearer path for maximizing the benefits of continental trade.
The government is also preparing businesses, particularly women-owned enterprises, to enter regional markets through training, capacity building and other support programmes.
Products including gari, garments and other locally manufactured goods have potential in African markets, the minister said, while pharmaceuticals, components manufacturing, textiles, garments and agribusiness could provide a stronger industrial base for exports.
The government wants to establish better connections between Ghanaian producers and markets across the continent.
The minister also called for greater cooperation among African countries on standards and conformity assessment, saying differences in requirements can make it harder for goods to cross borders.
Ghana’s standards institutions and experience with international standards could contribute to efforts to establish mutual recognition arrangements across African markets, she said.
The push reflects a broader challenge for the AfCFTA: reducing tariffs alone will not guarantee increased trade if businesses continue to face regulatory, payment and logistical barriers when entering neighboring markets.
Ofosu-Adjare said African countries should pursue the vision of a single continental market where goods, services, people and businesses can move more freely.
For Ghana, the objective is to use the position as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat to demonstrate the commercial value of continental integration while giving domestic producers a larger market for locally manufactured goods.
