Women make up a large portion of small-scale informal cross-border traders who confront significant challenges in transporting their goods across borders.
Among the hurdles are a lack of awareness of border procedures and a shortage of funds.
As women around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, has emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the implementation of gender-sensitive trade policies that will enable women to benefit from cross-border trade opportunities, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at a sensitization workshop for women in cross border trade organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in partnership with GIZ Ghana, the sector Minister said, “It is important to note that as part AfCFTA phase two negotiations, the Council of Ministers have received and approved the terms of reference to commence negotiations on protocol on women and youth.”
She continued, “The expected benefit of the new protocol include the following; to mainstream and amplify the gains of women and youth-led businesses who predominate the MSME ecosystem of all the state parties to the agreement, to guarantee targeted approach for the provision of capacity building, investment and advocacy to African MSMEs, and to ensure that the AfCFTA works for African women and youth. This is an indication that at both national and continental levels, issues relating to women in cross-border trade is if high priority.”
The Coordinator for the Network for Inclusive Economic Development (NEID) cluster at GIZ Ghana further highlighted the need for women participation in all sectors of the economy.
“We need to improve the training opportunities for women in cross-border trade, improve the existing conditions and framework for MSMEs which are mostly owned and managed by women. We need more women in customs, immigration, and other border agencies to support women in cross-border trade. We need more women friendly financial services for women in cross-border trade. We need more men who will be gender champions for women in cross-border trade.”
