Africa Trade Academy had the opportunity to attend a policy dialogue on Effective Cross-Border Trade for Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs) under AfCFTA, organized by Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with UNDP Ghana. The event, themed Building Resilience of Women & Youth-Led MSMEs through AfCFTA for Green & Inclusive Recovery & Growth, brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society organizations, to explore policy recommendations for strengthening SSCBTs’ competitiveness.
Key Highlights:
• A study by GEPA, led by Dr. Martin Akogti, assessed the effectiveness of Trade Information Desks (TIDs) at key border posts—Aflao, Elubo, and Paga.
• Findings revealed that 70% of respondents reported no existing TIDs, 75% lacked adequate trade information, and 87% recommended a one-stop TID for streamlined trade processes.
• Challenges identified included limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, resistance to change, interagency coordination issues, and digital integration gaps.
Plenary Discussion:
A key debate centered on whether to establish a one-stop TID or have TIDs within specific border agencies. While a centralized TID could simplify processes, some stakeholders favored agency-specific desks for specialized support.
Key Takeaways:
• Immediate action is required, with a focus on initiating implementation efforts to address the needs of SSCBTs.
• Increased support for SSCBTs through the implementation of agreements addressing border-related challenges with neighboring countries.
• Strengthened regional coordination and inter-ministerial collaboration to enhance policy execution.
• Enhanced cooperation to centralize trade information in multiple local languages from all border agencies.
Special thanks to Agnes Gifty Adjei-Sam of Cocoa Value Addition Artisans Association of Ghana(COVAAGH), Paulina Abrokwah, Head of Export &Import Policy Enforcement and Advocacy, National Cross Border Women Traders Association and Dr. Martin Akogti, Director, Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
