More than 1,000 Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been screened and supported to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has disclosed.

Benjamin Asiam, Acting Head of the National Coordination Office at the ministry, said the initiative forms part of Ghana’s efforts to position local businesses to benefit from the continent-wide trade agreement.

Speaking during a discussion on the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Single Market: How Can Ghanaian Businesses Win Under AfCFTA?” on Channel One TV on Thursday, June 11, 2026 on Channel One TV, Mr Asiam said the government introduced a market expansion programme to build the capacity of SMEs and prepare them for intra-African trade.

“A number of SMEs were screened, more than 1,000 SMEs were screened. SMEs that were exporting into the African space were identified. Those that were exporting outside but had a capacity to take advantage of the AfCFTA were also looked at. And then SMEs that were producing in Ghana and had a capacity to take advantage were all shortlisted and then given capacity in different areas,” he said.

According to him, the programme targeted businesses already exporting within Africa, firms serving markets outside the continent, and local producers with the potential to expand under AfCFTA.

Mr Asiam said the initiative was part of broader measures put in place by Ghana following the implementation of the trade agreement, including the development of a National Policy Framework and Action Plan to guide the country’s participation.

He noted that the capacity-building programme was later complemented by the Guided Trade Initiative, under which Ghana joined seven other countries to test AfCFTA trading arrangements and facilitate cross-border trade among member states.

The African Continental Free Trade Area seeks to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, offering businesses access to a consumer base of more than 1.4 billion people.