Accra, April 1, — Stakeholders at a forum hosted by the Ghana China Friendship Association (GhaChiFa) have called for robust support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to tackle non-tariff barriers that limit African exports.
Dr Samuel Nii-Noi Ashong, finance expert, highlighted China’s February 2026 announcement extending non-reciprocal zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, effective May 1, 2026. The policy now includes middle-income countries, signalling a shift from raw-material trade to industrial partnerships.
Dr Ashong cautioned that zero tariffs alone do not guarantee export success. Africa must address structural challenges, including weak logistics, inadequate infrastructure, inefficient digital customs systems, limited trade facilitation, and gaps in meeting technical standards.
He urged China to support the continent through investments in transport and digital customs, alongside training in packaging, branding, and regulatory compliance. Financial initiatives, such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, were also recommended to ease local currency transactions.
Focusing on Ghana, Dr Ashong emphasised value addition over raw material exports to fully benefit from the policy.
Mr Li Yao Hong, Economic Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, reiterated China’s commitment to Africa through industrialisation and investment cooperation.
The forum brought together representatives from the Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, and security agencies, all exploring strategies to maximise the zero-tariff policy while addressing persistent barriers to African exports.
GHBUSS
1 April 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment