Africa-Caribbean Trade Show: KOD Advocates for Concrete Steps to Strengthen Trade Ties
At the opening of the Africa-Caribbean Business Trade Expo in Accra on Tuesday, Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, issued a powerful call to action, urging leaders across Africa and the Caribbean to move from promises to practice by eliminating trade barriers and advancing real economic integration.
Addressing a packed audience at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Mr. Okyere Darko—popularly known as KOD—challenged policymakers to take concrete steps that will ease trade flows, support diaspora-led enterprises, and accelerate cross-regional development.
“It’s time we replaced the endless talk with bold action,” he declared. “We must reimagine our approach to trade. That means removing unnecessary hurdles, streamlining systems, and creating environments where diaspora businesses can thrive.”
The two-day Expo, co-hosted by the Bahamas-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, the AfCFTA Policy Network (APN), and AfCFTA Trading Limited, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, diplomats, and officials to explore new avenues for trade and investment between the two regions. It aims to strengthen ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while emphasizing the crucial role of the African diaspora in shaping the continent’s economic future.
Mr. Okyere Darko stressed that while cultural and emotional ties between Africa and its diaspora are important, they must now translate into practical frameworks that empower businesses and build sustainable economic bridges.
“Ghana is proud to serve as a gateway to the continent,” he said. “But this connection must go beyond symbolism. It must be strategic, impactful, and economically rewarding for all involved.”
He outlined several key policy reforms necessary to unlock the full potential of Africa-Caribbean trade, including harmonizing trade regulations, digitizing customs procedures, linking port infrastructure, and aligning the operations of chambers of commerce across the two regions.
“These are not abstract ideas—they are immediate priorities,” he said. “We need systems that talk to each other, ports that work together, and trade platforms that make doing business easier, not harder.”
Citing World Bank statistics, Mr. Okyere Darko highlighted the financial power of the diaspora, with remittances to Africa exceeding $53 billion in the previous year alone. Yet, he argued, the value of the diaspora is not limited to money—it also lies in the wealth of knowledge, networks, and entrepreneurial spirit that diaspora communities bring to the table.
“Our diaspora is not just sending funds—they are sending innovation, expertise, and opportunity. We must not let inefficient systems and disjointed policies prevent their full participation in our economies.”
He also emphasized the importance of Ghana’s role as the host nation of the AfCFTA Secretariat, urging the country to set the standard in building inclusive, efficient trade ecosystems that support all stakeholders, especially young entrepreneurs and diaspora investors.
The Expo’s objectives align with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision for economic revitalization through innovation, SME support, and youth entrepreneurship. Mr. Okyere Darko praised the organizers for creating a space that elevates small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and startups.
“These are the people who will transform our economies from the ground up,” he said. “They are not just participants in trade—they are its future.”
Concluding his address, he encouraged African and Caribbean business owners to seize the moment and use the Expo as a springboard for building lasting cross-border partnerships.
“Let this be more than an event—let it be a movement,” he urged. “This is your time to connect, collaborate, and create the future of Africa-Caribbean trade.”
The Africa-Caribbean Business Trade Expo continues with sessions on export development, financing, logistics, branding, and diaspora investment strategies, offering a vital platform for redefining trade diplomacy and building inclusive economic growth across continents.
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