She noted that mostly, diasporan investors considered the country's major cities as the ripe avenues for investment and said the narrative must change.

Ms Johnson said this on Saturday during the African Start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Export and Trade Summit held at the Ghana Shippers' Authority.

The event, organised by the African Start-ups and SMEs in Export and Trade Secretariat (ASSETS) was meant to expose participants to knowledge and to network with business persons that would help them exploit the immense business potential in Africa.

In a panel discussion on how to navigate the opportunities and challenges for SMEs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ms Johnson said information sharing on business opportunities was key to empowering the people.

She called for harnessing local technology, enforcement of regulations and systems, empowering women and ensuring inclusion to promote trade in Africa.

Mr Ziad Hamoui, National President, Ghana, Borderless Alliance, noted that, large section of businesses in Africa were SMEs, making it necessary for them to be supported to compete at the larger market.

Dr Daniel Amateye Anim, Chief Economist, Policy Initiative for Economic Development (PIED Africa), said African countries must negotiate as a bloc at the international level to maximise trade benefits.

Mr Alfred Cofie, Acting Head, SME Banking, Agricultural Development Bank, said AfCFTA must regularly give account to the people on how the agreement had been implemented to generate the people's interest.

He said information on AfCFTA should be made available in the local languages to reach more people at the grassroots level.

One of the participants at the Summit noted that the national leaders had done their part to establish AfCFTA, the citizens must now take charge by seizing the opportunity to maximise continental trade.

Mr Peter Adetor, Team Lead, ASSETS, said ASSETS sought to empower more start-ups and SMEs to enable them expand intra-continental trade.

This year's summit, which is the second edition, brought together diverse business
operators, persons from government and non-governmental organisations, and academia, among others.

"Mr Gideon Sosu Junior, Chief Executive Officer, Gad-V, a security automation company, who participated in the Summit, said he came to learn more about AfCFTA so he could advocate its success.

"I'm here also to open up my network, connect with people and to get insights on how to go through some of the challenges regarding the expansion of my business," he said.