Ghanaian Businesses Prepare for Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2025
As the Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2025 (IATF 2025) approaches, set to take place in Algiers from September 4-10, 2025, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has taken proactive steps to ensure that Ghanaian businesses are well-prepared to seize the opportunities presented by this major regional marketplace.
The GNCCI recently held a meeting with the Algerian ambassador to explore potential collaborations and strategies for Ghanaian enterprises to make the most of the fair. During the session, Mrs. Emelia Assiakwa, the first vice president of GNCCI, highlighted the importance of leveraging Ghana’s unique position as the host of the AfCFTA headquarters. She emphasized the need for a shift from exporting raw materials to adding value within the country to fully capitalize on the AfCFTA one-market opportunity.
“Opportunities exist in Ghana, but we are not making the most of them,” she stated. “If we don’t leverage these, we are not helping ourselves.” Her message was clear: Ghana must focus on industrialization and agribusiness to enhance its economic prospects.
She also encouraged Ghanaian businesses to form partnerships that would support the country's industrial and agricultural development. “It's not just about products; it's about bringing companies to Ghana. We have Shea butter, Cocoa, and Cassava—these are resources that are often exported in their raw form. How can we add value to them and then export?”
To ensure broad participation, the GNCCI has not imposed any restrictive criteria for businesses attending the fair. “We are not setting any limits because we are working with both small and large enterprises. All we require is that you are ready and willing to find partners.”
The meeting, themed ‘IATF 2025: Opportunities for Ghanaian Businesses,’ brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including exporters, industry leaders, government officials, bankers, and AfCFTA representatives. The goal was to prepare for what many see as a significant chance to capture a substantial share of the market.
Algerian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Mousad Louhaidia, outlined several opportunities available to Ghanaian businesses in Algeria. He praised Ghana’s role as a pioneer in Pan-Africanism and regional integration. “We are really enthusiastic to see Ghanaian businesses participate massively in the fair,” he said.
Preparations for the event are already well underway, with efforts focused on improving logistics and human flow between Ghana and Algeria. Discussions are ongoing regarding a direct flight from Accra to Algiers, further facilitating trade between the two nations.
The IATF 2025, organized by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA), will focus on investment-ready projects that can boost regional value chains, agri-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and digital services. It represents a strategic opportunity for Ghanaian businesses to showcase their capabilities on a continental stage.
Mrs. Grace Khosa, the Head of Communications at AfCFTA, stressed the importance of African unity in the face of global trade tensions. “Africa has a choice to isolate itself or to depend on each other. We believe that meaningful trade is possible on this continent.”
She described the IATF as a moment of continental convergence where business meets policy, innovation meets capital, and African ambition meets opportunity. “Ghanaian businesses have an edge here, given the strong participation of AfCFTA-guided initiatives,” she added.
Khosa also highlighted the AfCFTA secretariat’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for private sector growth. Recent developments such as the operationalization of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and Adjustment Fund have helped reduce barriers to intra-African trade.
As the AfCFTA continues to promote regional trade and collective economic growth, the IATF 2025 stands as a vital platform for businesses to connect, build trust, and access a market of over 1.4 billion people with an estimated GDP of more than US$3.5 trillion. For Ghanaian businesses, this fair represents a crucial step toward realizing the full potential of the African market.