The Chinese multinational company, Alibaba.com was officially launched in Ghana on Wednesday, 12th of October 2022. The said event was held at World Trade Centre Accra (WTCA) accompanied by a 2-day exhibition displaying made-in-Ghana goods marketable on the international front. The main objective was to create a platform for local companies to interact with the team from Alibaba.com on the opportunities available for Ghanaian producers on the international market.
The event was opened with a welcome address and introductory commentary by the executive director of WTC Accra, Mr. Edem Kofi Yevutsey. His speech was followed by a keynote address by Togbe Afede XIV, Chairman of WTCA, and a pre-recorded speech by Alibaba.com. The exhibition featured participants from across state agencies and private sector firms including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Communication, Ghana Shippers Authority, Cocoa Board, Access Bank, GT Bank, Zenith Bank, CalBank, Chamber of Commerce, Ghana Post, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and others. The fair had an exquisite exhibition from cosmetic companies such as Beauty Secrets, Ghandour Cosmetics, Awakn Beauty and Beauty 101. A.A Food and Beverages, Blessed Child Foods, Legacy Foods, Kawa Moka coffee and many others repped the food processing sector. Fashion was not exempted from the exhibition as Amber Collections, Key Textiles and DIHOC Footwear Division showcased excellent designs from Ghana. Other exhibitors include Sahara Solace, Chocho Company Ltd Unlimited Trade Supplies and Organic Trade Investment.
Alibaba com is the world’s leading company in e-commence with over 300 million registered buyers. Even though access to the firm’s platform in Ghana was possible hitherto, this official entry has added more features and tools for exporters that were previously not available to users in Sub–Saharan Africa. They include, Global Gold Supplier (GGS), Verified Seller Mark and Key Word Advertisement (KWA) statuses. The launch has created new opportunity for traders, SMEs, and exporter to reach a wider range of customers around the world. This initiative presents the critically needed transformation in the operations of SMEs in Ghana, as Alibaba.com has millions of users globally.
“Alibaba’s entry into Ghana follows other notable technology investments in our country over the last five years, and Alibaba as a brand is recognized globally and its’ unveiling here today, hopefully, opens up tremendous opportunities for our traders, SMEs and particularly the young people of this country who constitute about 60% of labor and about 70% of our Gross Domestic Products.” Mr. Yaw Amoateng Afriyie (The Deputy CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre)
The event received positive feedback from both attendees of the launch and exhibitors. Reputable organizations such as Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) commended the organizers for the great work done in providing opportunities for Ghanaian SMEs to expand and relished the idea of future partnerships. Participants of the exhibition were also excited about the market exposure and the networking windows they accessed through the event.
WTCA is committed to making trade and business possible and aiding firms in their quest to set up shop in Ghana.
This event coordinated under the aegis of WTCA is expected to include increased exports and foreign exchange, create more jobs, alleviate poverty as well as create inclusive economic growth. Alibaba.com services are currently open, and businesses are encouraged to walk into their office located on the 1st floor of World Trade Centre Accra, to access the opportunities available for Ghanaian businesses on the global market.