GITFiC, Access Bank to Begin AfCFTA SME Training on September 28

The Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC), in partnership with Access Bank, has announced that training for Small and Medium‑Scale Enterprises (SMEs) under its African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Market Access will begin on September 28, 2026.

The initiative forms part of GITFiC’s Agenda 2031, which includes the Global Debt Initiative and AfCFTA.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, a dedicated Trade Integration and Promotion (TIP) Unit has been established as a strategic vehicle to drive AfCFTA Implementation Support Initiatives, providing periodic training for SMEs across all districts through the local governance structure, preparing them for the AfCFTA Market.

GITFiC noted that the training will be overseen by a subcommittee headed by Mrs Patience Arko‑Boham of the Ministry of Finance, with members drawn from the Food and Drugs Authority, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Standards Authority, the Registrar General’s Department and Access Bank.

It stated that selected SMEs will gain full AfCFTA market access domestically and across the African continent through structured partnerships with Chambers of Commerce.

“The TIP Unit will also serve as an open‑market platform for SME products from other Member States into Ghana,” the statement added.

The programme is being implemented by a National Technical Working Committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the National Development Planning Commission, Parliament of Ghana, the Bank of Ghana, and the Information Services Department.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD