The World Bank says growing fragmentation in global trade and increasing uncertainty surrounding supply chains present new risks for developing economies, but believes Ghana still has strong opportunities to strengthen its position in regional and international trade.
According to the World Bank, Ghana can leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by deepening regional value chains, improving export competitiveness and accelerating efforts to diversify its export base.
Speaking at the 2026 Seminar Series in Accra, Regional Director of the World Bank Group, Seynabou Sakho, said trade expansion remains one of the most effective ways to create jobs, improve productivity and drive long-term economic transformation.
She noted that the global trading system is becoming increasingly uncertain and fragmented, as countries reassess supply chains, industrial policies, food security, technology and market access.
“If you think about the global trading system, it’s becoming more uncertain and more fragmented. That means that while countries are rethinking supply chains, industrial policy, food security, technology and market access, they still don’t have that platform to help them do it as a collective,” she said.
Ms. Sakho explained that while the changing global environment presents risks for countries such as Ghana, it also creates significant opportunities that should not be overlooked.
“For countries like Ghana, this creates risk, but also whenever you have risk, the other pendant is opportunities. And you should never let the risk prevent you from seizing on the opportunities,” she added.
She emphasized that trade remains a key driver of economic growth and structural transformation.
“So this is a priority area for the World Bank Group, because trade expansion remains one of the most powerful channels for creating jobs, raising productivity and supporting structural transformation. And we all know that’s the way to create more prosperous economies and creating more and better jobs,” she stated.
Highlighting Ghana’s strategic role in regional and global commerce, Ms. Sakho said the country is well positioned to benefit from increased continental integration under the AfCFTA framework.
“Ghana has a role also within both the region and the continent and beyond the continent, the world. When you see how Ghana’s export fare, it’s a global country when it comes to trade,” she noted.
She further encouraged Ghana to take full advantage of the AfCFTA by strengthening regional value chains and promoting a more diversified export sector.
Source: businesspostonline
