BY: ALEX ADI
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)’s participation in the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum highlights Ghana’s export potential. It had 39 local businesses showcasing their products in Lagos. However, the persistent challenge of low intra-regional trade among ECOWAS member states remains a hurdle. Exhibitors are leveraging the event to build networks and explore opportunities for expansion, citing access to affordable financing as a key factor in boosting production and competitiveness.
The ECOWAS Pavilion is alive with excitement as Ghana and other African countries showcase their vibrant products and innovations at the 39th International Trade Fair. With over 2,000 exhibitors, this premier event is set to forge value-creating partnerships and drive economic growth. Ghana’s diverse range of locally manufactured goods, from cosmetics to garments, is making waves, and exhibitors are optimistic about tapping into new markets and expanding their operations.
“This is the best opportunity to showcase what Ghana can do, we need new markets, new connections and international exposure, we thank GEPA for this opportunity,” said some of the exhibitors.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, after engaging some of the Ghanaian exhibitors, said Ghanaian businesses should be more proactive in making their products known in a fast-changing digital era.
“We have so many products we want the world to see, we have other innovations we can share with the world, many countries in the world are going electronic, it is also important we Ghanaians also adopt that system and be relevant on the competitive market,” he said.
Mr. Baba Jamal addressed the core issue by calling for policies to support companies that generally fall between small and large businesses. He said SMEs need a break, and access to affordable loans is key. Mr. Baba Jamal said if policies can help reduce interest rates, Ghanaian products can be more competitive, production increases, and prices come down. He described this as a win-win for local businesses and consumers alike.
“What we need to do is to make loans and facilities available to our companies, some of them have to go for commercial loans at high prices to produce, as a country we need to make loans accessible and cheaper to our people, that will be the first basis to reduce prices,” Mr. Baba Jamal said.
The 2025 ECOWAS Trade Fair just got a major upgrade. Specialized exhibitions are now a thing, showcasing specific sectors and giving professionals, government agencies, and international business organizations a platform to shine. Many say it’s a game-changer for networking and deals.
