By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Paga (U/E), Nov 25, GNA – The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained youth and women led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District to facilitate cross-border trade.
The training is part of efforts to build the capacity of the cross-border business owners particularly women and youth-led MSMEs to reposition them to take advantage of opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dubbed “Building resilience of women and youth-led MSMEs through AfCFTA for green and inclusive recovery and growth,” the programme seeks to ensure that women and youth entrepreneurs at the grassroots level not only benefit but are empowered to drive forward the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
The project aligns with several flagship programs of GEPA, aimed at promoting trade, particularly for women-led businesses, under the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS).
The training which brought together women and youth-led MSMEs and the security services such as the Ghana Immigration Services, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, among others, was to also build the capacity of the entrepreneurs on the protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) governing free trade among member countries.
In a speech, read on her behalf, Osofohene Dr Afua Asabea Asare, Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, said the global pandemic and the economic hardships, disproportionately affected MSMEs in recent years, particularly women and youth entrepreneurs.
“Yet, it is precisely within these challenges that new opportunities arise, opportunities for resilience, adaptation, and transformation,” Dr Asare stated, and added that “through the AfCFTA, we now have a collective mechanism for building a more integrated, robust, and resilient African economy.”
Dr Asare explained that women and youth entrepreneurs were the backbone of the economy and through this project, MSMEs would be equipped with tailored training, access to digital resources, and enhanced market linkages to enable them to capitalise on opportunities within the broader African market.
She added that the project further focused on green and inclusive recovery and growth to ensure sustainable business practices, adding
“By fostering practices that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient, we are enabling Ghanaian MSMEs to access global green markets and meet the rising demand for sustainable goods.
“Digital platforms and access to finance are critical enablers in today’s marketplace. Through our collaboration with UNDP, we aim to provide resources that make these tools accessible, affordable, and effective for MSMEs.
“Our vision is for each entrepreneur to have the tools they need to expand their businesses, tap into new markets, and thrive within a competitive environment.”
Mr Banda Abdallah Khalifa. Head of Services and Manufactures, GEPA, urged the MSMEs to add value to their raw products before exportation to take advantage of the African biggest market and improve their income levels.
Mr Gerard Ataogye, Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive, said the district was blessed with lots of economic potential which, when harnessed could transform the economy of the area and said the project was laudable as it would help improve cross border trade among the people and neighbouring countries, particularly Burkina Faso.
Ms Rubamatu, Majeed, a member of the Cross-Border Women Traders Association in Paga, said one of the major challenges facing cross-border trading was misunderstanding between traders and security services and noted that the training would help address such challenges and improve their relationship and trade.
GNA