NAIROBI, Kenya- Ghana is ramping up its presence in East Africa, using Nairobi as a launchpad to expand its non-traditional exports (NTEs) to key markets such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This move is part of a broader strategy to position Ghana as a significant player in the regional export market.
At the heart of this expansion is the Ghana Trade House, established by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Serving as both a retail and wholesale hub, the Trade House is designed to make it easier for Ghanaian businesses to access the East African market.
Offering more than 6,500 products across categories like textiles, food and beverages, cosmetics, and handicrafts, the Trade House curates a selection tailored to regional tastes while showcasing the distinctive heritage of Ghana.
By simplifying the logistics of international trade, it helps consolidate products, process orders, and fulfill them efficiently.
This initiative is part of Ghana’s National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), a 10-year plan launched in 2020 to transform the country’s export landscape.
Aiming for a target of USD 25.3 billion by 2029, NEDS focuses on boosting revenue from non-traditional exports like those marketed through the Trade House.
According to a statement from Ghana Trade House, this strategy is “the first of its kind in East Africa,” and it ties into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting intra-African trade.
GEPA sees the Nairobi hub as a stepping stone, with plans to replicate the model in other African countries, targeting crucial markets that will fuel Ghana’s export growth.
While Nairobi serves as the current hub, GEPA’s vision extends well beyond Kenya.
As GEPA continues to solidify relationships with Kenyan businesses and consumers, there are plans to diversify the products on offer and expand operations across Africa.
With its eyes set on new markets and stronger economic ties, Ghana is positioning itself as a significant exporter in the African market, and the Ghana Trade House is a key instrument in making that vision a reality.
