Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially commenced negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in a landmark move expected to strengthen bilateral trade, attract investment, and create new economic opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries.
The opening round of negotiations marks a major step in Ghana’s broader agenda to expand international trade partnerships, promote industrialisation, and position itself as a leading trade and investment gateway in Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Ghana, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the negotiations as a “bold and strategic milestone” in the growing relationship between Ghana and the UAE.
According to her, the proposed agreement goes beyond conventional trade arrangements and seeks to establish stronger cooperation in trade in goods and services, investment, digital commerce, innovation, industrialisation, and sustainable economic development.
“The agreement aligns perfectly with Ghana’s economic transformation agenda, supporting industrial development, export diversification, and the creation of sustainable jobs for youth and women entrepreneurs,” Hon. Ofosu-Adjare stated.
She emphasized that the partnership presents enormous opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, manufacturers, exporters, agribusinesses, and startups seeking access to global markets and foreign investment.
The Minister further highlighted Ghana’s strategic role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, noting that the CEPA negotiations could significantly strengthen Ghana’s ambition of becoming a major continental trade and logistics hub.
Analysts say the agreement could help unlock new investment flows into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and digital innovation while enhancing private sector competitiveness.
From the UAE side, the Minister for Foreign Trade, H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Ghana and strengthening long-term trade relations between the two nations.
He called on negotiators to use the three-day negotiation session to make meaningful progress on critical areas including legal and institutional frameworks, trade facilitation, customs procedures, and rules of origin among others.
Observers believe the negotiations signal Ghana’s increasing importance within global trade discussions and reflect growing international confidence in the country’s economic potential and strategic position within Africa.
Trade and economic policy experts have also described the talks as timely, especially at a period when African economies are seeking stronger partnerships capable of driving industrial growth, job creation, and economic resilience.
If successfully concluded, the CEPA is expected to open a new chapter of economic cooperation between Ghana and the UAE while creating opportunities that could directly impact businesses, young entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, and the broader economy.
