Kenya’s Export Promotion Council Recommends More Investment In Ghana

The Export Promotion Council (EPC) of Kenya, the country’s premier institution in the development and promotion of export trade, has recommended the setting up of manufacturing companies in Ghana by Kenyan business owners.

In a Market Survey & Product Research in Ghana report, validated recently, the EPC noted that there were incentives in setting up companies in Ghana to produce goods locally for the Ghanaian consumer. “Being present locally also ensures that people identify with the product as coming from Ghana and this drives more loyalty”, it stated.

The market survey and product research report also underscored a growing increase in trade between Ghana and Kenya, and acknowledged the role played by the annual Kenya Trade Expo in Ghana, organized by Intra-Africa Connect. Notwithstanding the progress made in trade between Ghana and Kenya, the research findings showed that trade between the two countries was relatively low, attributing this to lack of awareness of what exist in both countries. It therefore recommended more participation of businesses from both countries in trade fairs and related events.

“The recently held Kenya-Ghana Expo is a good start and needs to build momentum and gain more traction. Conferences and business seminars will boost trade relations by educating both countries, encourage patronage in made in Africa goods”, it said.

According to the survey, in 2016 Kenya exported goods worth KES 534 million ($5.34M), comprising mainly of sisal, sugar confectionery, and plastics to Ghana whilst its import from Ghana in the same year stood at KES 121 million ($1.2M), made up of cocoa, textiles, rubber and chemicals.

The survey listed powdered milk, tea, mangoes, fresh flowers, malt, and cigarettes as Kenyan products with highest potential in Ghana. It then mentioned setting up of tourism teaching institution and technology transfer on dairy farming as potential investment for Kenyans in Ghana.

The research report also outlined some trade procedures for Kenyan businesses wanting to invest in Ghana. These include the procedures for starting a business in Ghana, such as registering at the Registrar General’s Department and with relevant regulatory agencies, regulations governing trade with Ghana (import requirements and documentation), port procedures, import clearance and export procedure, system validation by customs, among others.

The Market Survey & Product Research in Ghana was undertaken in 7 cities; Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Sekondi, Ho, and Bolgatanga, reflecting a broad coverage of the Ghanaian market. The study aimed at identifying business opportunities for expanding Kenya’s export of goods and services to Ghana, pointing out Ghana’s market entry requirements, identifying business practices that can support business engagements between the two countries, as well as identifying the competition for the Ghanaian market for selected goods and services.

EPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Peter Biwott advised stakeholders to take advantage of the findings, adding that his priority as CEO is to focus on Africa. Already 50% of Kenyan exports go to African countries. Mr. Biwott assured stakeholders that the EPC is on course to increase exports into the African market.

The EPC participated in Kenya-Ghana Expo 2015. And during the 2016 Expo the council sent a scoping team, and subsequently a research team during Expo 2017.

This year’s annual Kenya Trade Expo in Ghana, organized by Intra-Africa Connect, is slated for November, in Accra.

Among the stakeholders present at the validation of the report were H.E Nuku Kamase-Quashie, the Deputy High Commissioner of Ghana to Kenya, Co-Founder of Intra-Africa Connect, Mrs. Leah Nduati Lee, and Chairman of the Ghanaian Community in Kenya, Mr. David Sosah.