Ghana, Japan Strengthen Trade and Investment Partnerships Through AfCFTA Dialogues

February 25, 2026

UNDP Ghana_JSB.jpg — Japanese investor engaging with an MSME from Ghana

@Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana

Ghanaian and Japanese businesses, policymakers, and development partners convened for the National Capacity-Building Training and B2B/B2G Dialogues on Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities under the AfCFTA, a platform aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and public-private collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Organised by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Government of Japan under the Japan Supplementary Budget project, the initiative brought together MSMEs, public institutions, business associations, and Japanese enterprises to explore practical pathways for expanding Ghana’s participation in regional and global value chains.

The engagements focused on strengthening export readiness, improving investment preparedness, and deepening Ghana–Japan collaboration through capacity-building sessions, structured Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking, and Business-to-Government (B2G) dialogues.

Speaking during the opening session, Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, noted that the dialogues are designed to accelerate Ghana’s trade diversification agenda and position local enterprises to take advantage of emerging opportunities under the AfCFTA.

He highlighted that through practical modules on AfCFTA trade opportunities, export readiness, investment pitching, and International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), alongside structured matchmaking and regulatory clinics, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of businesses to compete more effectively across regional markets while fostering stronger Ghana–Japan partnerships.

Also addressing participants, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, underscored the importance of improving operational efficiency, strengthening competitiveness, and identifying trade bottlenecks to unlock the full benefits of the AfCFTA.

He emphasized that the need to develop concrete next steps for practical support and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continuing its partnership with UNDP to strengthen trade facilitation, investment collaboration, and private sector growth between Ghana and Japan.

Adding his voice to the discussions, Benjamin Asiam, AfCFTA National Coordinator, described the Agreement as a strategic opportunity for African countries to industrialize sustainably, strengthen regional value chains, and build resilient economies through stronger partnerships.

He stressed that the AfCFTA National Office will continue working to ensure Ghanaian enterprises are active participants and key beneficiaries of the Agreement by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and institutional support needed to compete effectively in regional markets.

The programme combined technical learning with practical engagement. Over a number of days of capacity-building sessions, participants explored key thematic areas including AfCFTA market opportunities, investment readiness, export planning, standards and certification requirements, and contract negotiation using Incoterms.

The conversations later transitioned into dynamic B2B engagements where Ghanaian enterprises connected directly with Japanese businesses and investors to explore collaboration and trade opportunities.

A panel discussion featuring representatives from Ghanaian and Japanese businesses highlighted the importance of transparency, regulatory clarity, and targeted capacity-building in creating an enabling environment for startups and emerging enterprises.

The event also provided a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses and products directly to Japanese companies. From food processing and skincare to fashion and creative enterprises, participating businesses showcased their ideas and explored potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

One participating entrepreneur, Olivia Ofori, founder of Success Skin, described the dialogues as “a valuable opportunity to connect directly with potential partners, better understand export requirements, and position local businesses for regional and international markets. Myself and other entrepreneurs remain grateful to UNDP and partners for this great initiative.

By creating space for direct engagement between businesses, regulators, and investors, the dialogues reinforced the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing inclusive trade and investment under the AfCFTA framework.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a key hub for AfCFTA implementation, initiatives such as these are expected to strengthen enterprise competitiveness, promote regional integration, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable economic growth.