Ghana’s National African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Policy Framework and Action Plan is expected to undergo a comprehensive review early next year.
This was revealed by Mr. Benjamin Asiam, Acting Coordinator of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, who explained that the revision is necessary to align Ghana’s trade strategy with new protocols introduced under the continental agreement.
Developed in August 2022, the existing policy document seeks to enhance Ghana’s share of intra-African trade by fostering a stable environment that stimulates private sector growth. But with the AfCFTA rapidly evolving, Ghana says it must update its playbook to stay competitive and ensure no group is left behind.
Why the Review Has Become Necessary
According to Mr. Asiam, eight additional protocols have been introduced since the original protocol on trade in goods was enacted. These emerging regulations—touching on key areas such as digital trade, investment, competition policy and intellectual property—demand careful consideration within Ghana’s policy framework. “It is imperative we review the document to take on board the other protocols,” Mr. Benjamin Asiam.
He made these remarks during a national dialogue on the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, a policy instrument adopted in February 2023 by the Committee on Trade and approved by the African Union Assembly in February 2024.
The dialogue was facilitated by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Women, Youth and MSMEs at the Heart of the New Focus
A major emphasis of the review process will be the role of women and young people in Ghana’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. Mr. Asiam stressed that these groups form a crucial part of the Ghanaian economy and must be fully integrated into AfCFTA opportunities.
“We need to take away the constraints that they face for them to be effective. If we can take away the constraints, the economy will do well.”
Mr. Asiam
He urged policymakers to strengthen national capabilities for generating sex- and age-disaggregated trade data. This, he said, will help design more targeted interventions and ensure evidence-based monitoring of how women and youth engage with AfCFTA markets.
“We must build a robust national trade data system, enabling evidence-based monitoring of how women and youth are engaging with AfCFTA markets.”
Mr. Asiam
His comments reinforce the need for inclusive trade, especially as youth-led enterprises and women-owned businesses continue to play a critical role in local production, innovation, agribusiness and export diversification.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Ministry reiterated Ghana’s commitment to implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare noted that the protocol presents a unique opportunity to shape a structured and inclusive pathway for integrating marginalized groups into continental value chains.
She stressed the need for strong stakeholder collaboration—public sector, private sector, civil society and development partners—to ensure Ghana derives maximum benefit from AfCFTA.
UNDP Strengthens Support for Ghana’s AfCFTA Readiness
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a key partner in Ghana’s trade development agenda, says it views the AfCFTA as a powerful catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
According to Mr. Niloy Banerjee, Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, the organisation has already rolled out various initiatives to enhance the preparedness of Ghanaian businesses for the competitive continental market.
In addition, UNDP has invested in research focused on non-tariff barriers, digital platforms and regulatory systems—critical elements needed to guide policy decisions and strengthen business competitiveness.
The forthcoming review of the National AfCFTA Policy Framework marks an important turning point for Ghana’s trade strategy. As the AfCFTA continues to expand with new protocols and opportunities, Ghana is positioning itself to ensure its private sector—especially women, youth and MSMEs—can compete effectively and meaningfully participate in the continental market.
With active collaboration between government, development partners and private stakeholders, Ghana is poised to shape a more inclusive and robust trade environment that drives economic transformation under the AfCFTA.
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