By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
In an effort to revamp Ghana’s agricultural industry, DHL, alongside SIPAB and Eurocham Ghana, organized a key stakeholders’ gathering aimed at engaging chosen agribusinesses and small-scale farmers. The objective was to explore and establish a viable trade logistics framework designed to bolster the agricultural sector sustainably.
The corporate gathering in Accra convened major stakeholders in Ghana’s agricultural sector, featuring participants from entities such as the Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, Anchor Management and Trading, along with various farmer cooperatives.
The gathering centered around a program designed to assist small and medium-sized businesses within agriculture through the creation of dependable and affordable trade logistics infrastructures locally, regionally, and globally. Additionally, this effort sought to enhance market entry opportunities, strengthen capabilities, and decrease trading obstacles.
During his presentation, Maximilian Effah, DHL Regional Projects Manager – Trade Facilitation, discussed DHL Group’s GoTrade initiative. This program seeks to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in utilizing international trade for sustainable and inclusive development.
He stated that the program operates under a “think globally, act locally” approach, with DHL Group’s worldwide resources aiding trade facilitation efforts initiated and managed at the national level.
“Through GoTrade, we strive to enable SMEs to capitalize on international commerce and support a ‘think globally, act locally’ strategy for nations. We’re facilitating SME involvement in cross-border trade via skill development and collaborations, which directly aids Ghana’s economic expansion,” he clarified.
Mr. Serigne Ndanck Mbaye, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for West Africa, recognized the collaboration between DHL Global Forwarding, SIPAB, and EuroCham Ghana aimed at supporting agribusinesses and small-scale farmers. He also reaffirmed the company’s dedication to strengthening local enterprises via cost-effective logistical services designed specifically for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
We have highly ambitious objectives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. Our primary aim is to enhance the capabilities of these businesses and bolster their competitive edge in global commerce,” he stated. “Our plan encompasses illustrating how SMEs can utilize regional trade accords like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme to expand their market presence within the region.
Morgan Uloko, the CEO of DHL Express Ghana, discussed DHL’s continuous initiatives aimed at adding value and minimizing expenses and uncertainties for small enterprises via trade simplification, advanced technology, and capacity enhancement. Additionally, he shed light on how appropriate packing techniques implemented by small and medium-sized enterprises can influence volumetric weight during shipments.
Jimmy Eko-Acquah, who leads the Sustainable Improvement of Productivity for African Businesses (SIPAB) project, highlighted the critical necessity of tackling the issues within Ghana’s agricultural trade logistics framework, which are currently hindering the growth and potential of this key industry.
He stated, “This efficient trade logistics program will strengthen agribusinesses, boost their market influence, lower product costs, and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian items in both domestic and international markets. Additionally, it aims to foster regional integration by facilitating smoother movement of merchandise via targeted collaborations and financial commitments.”
Mr. Andrea Ghia, representing Eurocham Ghana, highlighted their dedication to supporting agriculture in Ghana via their agribusiness platform.
The agribusiness platform aims to boost trade and investments between Europe and Ghana within this industry. Emphasizing the significance of local agribusinesses and small-scale farmers joining forces into consortiums, he highlighted how these groups can gain enough negotiating leverage to secure equitable remuneration, funding, and competitive pricing from markets.
One of the entrepreneurs from Anchor Management and Trading who participated in the meeting, Thelma MacLean, highlighted the assistance required by local agribusinesses and small-scale farmers from various stakeholders and development organizations.
This backing encompasses additional development projects, capacity enhancement schemes, help with acquiring agricultural accreditations, and linking the regional industry to expanded market opportunities and investment sources to ensure resources like production materials, processing hubs, storage spaces, and refrigeration supply chains.
The gathering ended with all parties involved committing to collaborate in order to back this extensive effort aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises and enhancing their capacity for international trade.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
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