Ghanaian exhibitors hail participation in intra-African Trade Fair

A cross-section of Ghanaian exhibitors at the first Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo, Egypt said their expectations for participation in the fair had been met beyond measure.

The exhibitors told the Ghana News Agency that they had been able to establish contacts with some international buyers and investors interested in partnerships and the distribution of their products.

Mrs Brenda Francisca Opoku, the Chief Executive Officer of Solutions Oasis, which produces the Beauty Secrets range of products, said the fair had met her expectation, adding that, she was able to network with potential investors and distributors for cosmetic products.

She said there were huge opportunities on the African continent and so it was important to consolidate the gains made in Egypt through follow-ups.

“I have had orders and more importantly I was able to build partnership and network,” she added.

Ms Awurabena Agyeman, Co-Founder Wear Ghana, said the fair had been good for her company as they were able to meet buyers and distributors from various African countries interested in their products.

Mr Fred Obeng Ampofo of Kaeme.Com said his goal of meeting investors had been met, adding that, he had secured pledges from potential distributors of the company’s products.

He said there were enormous opportunities in the Egyptian market that the Ghanaian exporters must work to tap into.

Mrs Alberta Hammond, Sales Manager, Slid Industries said she had made contacts with Egyptian cosmetic companies and was looking forward to a productive partnership in the future.

Mr Peter Edem Zormelo, Chief Manager and Head of Trade and Industry Development Department of the Forestry Commission said there was enormous interest in Ghanaian products at the fair.

He said the Commission participated in the fair to consolidate its timber trade position in the Egyptian market and to explore opportunities for new buyers.

“On the whole we have met potential clients and held discussions to increase the purchase of timber from Ghana,” he added.

All other exhibitors, including Alagie and Fati’s Company Limited, and Gifty Targbor Top Creativity, producers of cocoa products pointed to the opportunities in the Egyptian market for their products

“I am here not just to sell but get orders for future supplies. It’s been so good,” one exporter added. “We met different people. They have seen what Ghana has to offer and we have contacts that would help us in the future,” he said.

Mr Ebo Quaison, Team Leader, Export Trade and Investment, at the Ministry of Trade, said to a large extent the expectations for Ghana’s participation in the fair had been realised, adding that, it was important that Ghana’s presence was felt.

“The exhibitors have informed us that they engaged extensively with investors and distributors, with some securing orders they intend to follow up. In a nutshell, I will say we have met our expectations,”

Mr Erasmus Eshun, a Director at the GEPA, said it has been a good outing for Ghana at the Intra-African Trade Fair.

He said it provides Ghana the opportunity to increase its export within the African continent, especially when the penetration in the European Union was becoming difficult.

Mr Eshun said the fair also exposed Ghanaian products to other countries, many of which were interested in future partnerships with the exhibitors.

“This has been an opportunity to see product offerings from other countries and to compare to improve the competitive stand of the exporters on the world market,” he added.

Organised by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union, and hosted by the Government of Egypt, the seven-day trade fair brought together more than 70,000 visitors.

The Fair comes after the successful signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, which seeks to enhance trade and economic growth across Africa.