The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) recently hosted a dynamic business forum and B2B meeting. The event brought together more than 12 Kenyan enterprises, led by KNCCI National Director Dr. George Karanja, and over 60 Ghanaian businesses, under the leadership of GCCI President Mr. Stephane Miezan.

Key Highlights

  • Enhanced Trade Ties & Strategic Partnerships:
    Participants discussed strengthening trade relations, leveraging the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and creating lasting business partnerships between Kenya and Ghana.
  • Support for SMEs and Market Expansion:
    Dr. George Karanja reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He encouraged businesses to explore new markets beyond traditional trade routes while addressing the challenges of intra-African trade through increased trust and cooperation.
  • Promoting African Identity and Industries:
    GCCI President Mr. Stephane Miezan called on business leaders to embrace their African identity and take pride in promoting indigenous products and industries. He emphasized that confidence, integrity, and trust are essential for ensuring a prosperous and unified African trade future.
  • Collaboration and Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges:
    Kenya’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Kotut, highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that no country can thrive in isolation. While commending Kenya and Ghana for their pioneering role in implementing AfCFTA, he also pointed out that infrastructure gaps remain a challenge for seamless trade across the continent.
  • Strategic Regional Hubs:
    Dr. Fareed, Ghana’s National AfCFTA Coordinator, underscored the strategic positions of Ghana and Kenya as gateways to West and East Africa, respectively. He urged traders to seize these opportunities, praising both nations for facilitating the free movement of people and goods under AfCFTA.
  • Emphasis on Innovation and Value Addition:
    GCCI’s 1st Vice President, Dr. Emelia Asiakwa, and Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), stressed the importance of innovation, strategic partnerships, and value addition. They advised entrepreneurs to carefully assess market demand to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

A New Era of Partnership

This forum marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the partnership between Kenya and Ghana. Through unity and cooperative efforts, both nations are poised to unlock Africa’s full trade potential and drive sustainable economic growth.