GHANA FOOD MOVEMENT:  UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN TRADE

A network of diverse food actors in Ghana is driving change and massive transformation in projecting the positives of the food system through diverse events. Ghana Food Movement, through their events celebrate, preserve and redefine Ghanaian food culture.

One of its most popular events “The Movers Connect” was covered by the Vice Versa Media Ghana Team as the official media partner and a member of the Movement. The Movers Connect Event by the Ghana Food Movement was held last Thursday 29^th February in Ghana bringing together panel of experts including, entrepreneurs, AfCFTA experts, government officials and representatives from academia to dialogue on African Trade and its potential in impacting a country economic development.

Anita Gbeku – Journalist (left), Aimée Willan-Program coordinator GFM (Middle), Stella Botchway-Journalist(right)

The Potential of African Trade

“If Africa unites economically, the power of the market alone is enough to transform Africa”. This was said by the National Coordinator of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur, at the African Trade Event organised by the Ghana Food Movement. According to him, AfCFTA under the world bank estimates that about 1/3 of the population of Africa will be lifted out of poverty due to the fact that it has added value to products for trading, adding that will also lead to industrial transformation which in tend creates employment and livelihoods for people and eventually eliminate poverty across the African continent.

Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur – National Coordinator of AfCFTA

The world is connected by several factors among which includes International Trade. This plays a crucial role in driving growth, promoting economic development and fostering global cooperation. Starting with the exchange of goods and services to the flow of capital and technology across borders. Trade plays a pivotal role in modern global economy. Therefore, it is important to understand its policies to run and grow a business.

The Movers Connect on African Trade

The event which took place at the Buro, Osu in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana saw sessions of forums and discussions for SMEs and resource persons deliberating on the challenges being faced in relation of African trade and feasible solutions that can be implemented at the lower level to the higher level.

The event saw the exhibition of some innovative products and services by members of the GFM movement. Vice Versa Media Ghana who recently joined the GFM membership program provided media coverage and also had the opportunity to set up a stand at the exhibition ground to inform other members on its vision, aims and objectives.

Exhibition by the member partners of the Ghana Food Movement

The exhibition also highlighted several ideas and concepts that were derived from activities and aspects of the human life to help solve environmental and social issues.

In Africa, there are several challenges with regards to trading with other African countries even though the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty is operational. There has been debates about barriers in languages, misinterpretation of policies, and the need to have a common currency.  However, there are systems put in place for the implementation of the treaty to meet the needs of all the other participating African countries.  However without implementation mechanisms, one may not be able to understand the treaty. “These traders must understand the agreement and if they do not understand how, it works then the purpose “AfCFTA” will be slowed down ultimately” said Lawyer Daisy Codjoe at the event.

Lawyer Daisy Codjoe of AB & David Africa

When it comes to the issue of using a common currency in trading in Africa, Dr Fareed explains that “there are digital means of paying so do we need the physical African currency? We have already put in place the Pan African Payment System.”He added that “African currency should not be a precondition for trade”.

Ghana Food Movement (GFM):

Ghana Food Movement is a grassroots member network which is made up of chefs, farmers, scientists, policy makers among others. The network is dedicated to promoting innovative, sustainable food and Agric stakeholders. Their aim is to preserve and celebrate Ghanaian food and its system to be fair, inclusive and future proof. For this reason, Ghana Food Movement held an event under the theme: Unlocking opportunity: exploring the potential of African free trade Area.

Movers connecting at the African trade event.

Why promote African Free Trade Dialogue?

Trade between African countries has long been recognized as a pivotal driver for economic growth in the continent. While Africa boasts of abundant natural resources, diverse agricultural landscapes, and a swell in consumer market, intra-African trade remains significantly lower as compared to other continents of the world. However, recent initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have renewed optimism for unlocking the vast potential of intra-African trade.

We all tend to be interested in trade because it constitutes a vital part of our economy.

The primary objective of the AfCFTA is to establish a unified market for both goods and services while promoting the liberalization of trade. This initiative aims to facilitate the seamless movement of capital and individuals across borders within Africa. Additionally, AfCFTA strives to eliminate barriers to trade, thereby fostering unrestricted commerce of goods and services across the entire African continent.

Trade relates to every aspect of our lives, hence how does trade impact food production and food accessibility? Trade in terms of food production in African countries encircles several challenges and potentials specifically in impacting food security, agricultural sustainability and economic development across the world.

Ghana food movement and AFCFTA

Africa is expected to gain more market access, more trade opportunities, and more regional integration with the implementation of the AfCFTA. But in order to fully access these advantages, important problems including inadequate infrastructure, trade restrictions, and limitations faced by smallholder farmers must be resolved.

Effective implementation of the AfCFTA will solve problems such as inadequate infrastructure, trade restrictions etc.

Ghana food movement can serve as a catalyst on leveraging on AfCFTA to promote inclusive growth and foster sustainable development. By prioritizing investments, Africa can harness the potential of AfCFTA to evolve its agricultural sector to bring about food security and economic development.

Conclusion

As Africa navigates the challenges and evolving dynamics of African Trade, it will be important to accept the values of resilience, inclusivity and shared prosperity as it will be a contributing factor in molding a more sustainable and equitable future for the African continent as a whole.