The President of the Africa Standards Organisation (ARSO), Professor Alex Dodoo, last week held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in London to discuss strategies to enhance intra-African trade and expand market access within the Commonwealth.  

The high-level talks focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – headquartered in Accra-- to drive industrialisation across Africa while expanding trade and investments within the 56-nation Commonwealth bloc. 

Standardisation

Prof. Dodoo emphasised the importance of standardisation in removing trade barriers and improving the competitiveness of African products.  

“The AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa, but its full potential can only be realised if we harmonise standards and ensure product quality.

“This will not only boost intra-African trade, but also position African goods for greater access to Commonwealth markets,” he said.

Prof. Dodoo also highlighted opportunities in digital trade, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development, and investment promotion.  

Commitment

Ms Botchwey reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic integration for the businesses of members.  

She also stressed the Commonwealth’s commitment to shared values for shared prosperity.

Collaboration

The two leaders further agreed that by working together with the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Commonwealth can help African businesses reach wider markets while fostering sustainable development.

With both Prof. Dodoo and Ms Botchwey being Ghanaians, they pledged to play their respective roles to ensure Ghana succeeds in advancing Africa and the Commonwealth trade agenda.

As host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana continues to drive continental economic integration while fostering global partnerships.  

The outcomes of such engagements are, therefore, expected to contribute significantly to Africa’s trade growth and its deeper collaboration with the Commonwealth.