The Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) Summit 2026, brought Accra into sharp focus on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as policymakers, industry leaders and private sector actors gathered to chart practical steps toward unlocking the sub-region’s economic potential through trade, logistics and youth empowerment.
The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Julius Debrah, delivering the keynote address, said intra-African trade within the Economic Community of West African States remains significantly low, averaging between 10 and 12 percent. He stressed that this situation undermines the region’s economic strength and called for urgent and coordinated efforts to reverse the trend.
He explained that the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area presents a major opportunity to build strong regional value chains, promote industrialization and position African economies to compete globally. He, however, noted that structural challenges continue to limit progress.
According to him, inefficient logistics systems, high cost of transporting goods across borders, and limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises remain critical barriers to trade expansion. He urged both governments and the private sector to priorities investments that will address these constraints and improve trade efficiency across the region.
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, underscored the need to align trade facilitation policies with the operational realities of SMEs. He noted that many small businesses struggle with complex certification processes, high production costs and limited access to markets.
He called for deliberate reforms to simplify trade procedures, improve standards certification systems and reduce bottlenecks within supply chains to enable SMEs to fully participate in regional and continental trade.
On logistics, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kamal-Deen Ali, described efficient transportation and port systems as the backbone of successful trade agreements. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure and regulatory interventions aimed at improving port efficiency, enhancing connectivity and facilitating the smooth movement of goods within West Africa.
He indicated that without a well-coordinated logistics framework, the benefits of trade agreements such as AfCFTA cannot be fully realized.
Also speaking at the summit, Madam Harriet Gayi of TradeMark Africa pointed out that West Africa holds enormous but largely untapped trade potential. She explained the need for strategic investments in border infrastructure, digital trade systems and capacity building for businesses.
She further advocated targeted support for youth and women-led enterprises, describing them as critical drivers of inclusive economic growth and innovation across the region.
Discussions at the summit also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, policy consistency and regional cooperation in addressing trade barriers and strengthening economic integration.
Source: Elvisanokye.com