Kenya, Ghana commit to improve trade relations
Enterprise
By
Sofia Ali
| Oct 15, 2024
Kenya and Ghana are boosting bilateral trade ties, with the volume of goods exchanged on an upward trajectory. Kenya’s exports to the West African country are mainly vegetable fibres, tea, and aluminum while Ghana exports coconut oil, cocoa powder, and mushroom spawn.
During celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the Ghana trade House in Nairobi on Monday, Ghana’s Ambassador to Kenya Damptey Asare expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for its warm acceptance of the trade house.
He emphasised the importance of promoting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for strengthening trade relations across the continent. “This celebration is not just about marking one year; it represents a significant step forward in fostering economic ties between Ghana and Kenya, and by extension, all of East Africa,” the envoy said.
Floice Mukabana, CEO of Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, said there is need for direct flights between Nairobi and Accra to further facilitate trade.
READ MORE
Local businesses urged to embrace sustainable practices
Behind-the-scenes rush as clock ticks for sale of Bamburi Cement
Pension industry seeks to flex its muscle in large State projects
Why construction sector is on steady decline in Kenya
Why affordable communication is key to AfCFTA
Treasury goes for UAE loan as IMF cautions of debt situation
Traders claim closure of liquor stores, bars near schools punitive
Adani fallout is a lesson on accountability and transparency fight
Sustainable finance in focus for Kenyan banks as Co-op Bank feted
She emphasised the need for seamless logistics to enhance market access for goods on both sides. “Creating direct routes will not only reduce transportation costs but also improve the speed at which goods can be exchanged,” Mukabana said, calling for concerted efforts to address logistical challenges in African trade.
The Deputy CEO Ghana Export Promotion Authority Samuel Dentu said partnerships and collaboration remain central to the trade house’s strategy. “Our journey has been one of collaboration, and we aim to position both Ghanaian and Kenyan products in other African countries as well,” he said. The trade house has engaged with Kenyan consumers by conducting product activations in various malls in Nairobi and Mombasa.
The increased trade has also attracted the attention of key stakeholders in the region. Executive Director of Starmark Marketing Company Kris Senanu noted the importance of collaboration between government institutions and the private sector to ensure sustained growth in African trade.