Addis ababa: The Head of Marketing and Communications at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Afua Tekyi-Mills, has advocated for enhanced commercial relations between Ghana and Ethiopia to fully exploit trade, investment, and industrial prospects within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Ghana Web, Tekyi-Mills emphasized that despite Ghana and Ethiopia's strategic positions in Africa's economic integration efforts, bilateral trade between the two nations has not yet reached its potential. Her remarks were made during a panel session at the Ghana Business and Cultural Expo held at the Kuriftu Resort Africa Village in Addis Ababa. The Expo aimed to foster trade, investment, tourism, and cultural collaboration under the theme: 'Creating an Enabling Environment for Cross-Border Investment.'
Tekyi-Mills pointed out that Ghana, hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, and Ethiopia, home to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, are well-positioned to drive intra-African trade and investment. She noted that while political and continental foundations are established, the commercial relationship has not caught up, presenting untapped opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Ghana's growing non-traditional export sector, surpassing US$5 billion in 2025, along with increased investor confidence, makes it an appealing destination for East African businesses aiming to penetrate West African markets. Tekyi-Mills identified agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, textiles, tourism, hospitality, logistics, and aviation services as promising sectors for Ethiopian enterprises entering Ghana.
She elaborated on Ghana's agricultural sector's substantial contribution to the GDP and workforce, creating investment opportunities in food processing, cold-chain facilities, and more. Opportunities in textiles and fashion were also highlighted, leveraging both countries' cultural identities to support competitive African brands.
Ghana offers a combination of tax incentives, investor protections, and market-access advantages for both local and foreign investors in strategic sectors. Tekyi-Mills stressed the importance of engaging the GIPC early for Ethiopian businesses to understand investment opportunities and sector-specific requirements. She encouraged practical partnerships in agro-processing, textiles, logistics, and specialty food trade to strengthen the West Africa-East Africa business corridor.
Presidential Staffer Rex Owusu Marfo also spoke at the Expo, underscoring the significance of Ghana Month in reconnecting Africans through culture, enterprise, and shared identity.