The Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire is advancing efforts, in collaboration with stakeholders, to establish a Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at boosting trade relations between Ghana and its Francophone neighbour.

The proposed Chamber is expected to serve as a strategic platform to facilitate commerce, promote regulatory compliance, and support Ghanaian entrepreneurs operating in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abidjan, the leader of the Ghanaian community, Nana Abraffi Koto, said the initiative is timely and would benefit both countries.

“It will strengthen economic ties between the two neighbouring nations,” Nana Koto stated, adding that plans have been well-structured to roll out the chamber, which will help streamline business operations along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire corridor.

She also noted that the community is working closely with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to ensure a successful rollout.

The President of the GNCCI, Stephanie Abass Miezan, led a delegation to meet with the leadership of the Ghanaian community. At the engagement, both parties expressed their commitment to formalising a partnership that reflects mutual interest and shared goals.

“The new partnership will create a structured platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and investors in Côte d’Ivoire. It will facilitate smoother trade, investment, and regulatory compliance,” Ms Miezan said.

She highlighted that the Chamber’s advocacy role would be vital in navigating local rules and representing the interests of Ghanaian business operators in Côte d’Ivoire.

“We’ll also focus on capacity building, equipping the new leadership with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. This includes guidance on business promotion within the local market,” she added, announcing that a formal inauguration date would be set soon.

The Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Chamber of Commerce is expected to bridge existing trade gaps, address challenges such as customs procedures, taxation, and market access, and promote Ghanaian products and services within Ivorian markets.

Ghanaian business leaders in Côte d’Ivoire have welcomed the move, anticipating that it will reduce bureaucratic barriers and increase investor confidence.

Nana Abraffi Koto, who also leads ECOWAS nationals in Côte d’Ivoire, expressed optimism that the Chamber would address the recurring challenges Ghanaian businesses face, particularly in import and export activities.

“We’re working on documentation to address issues like border restrictions, especially the ban on rice and maize trade. Given the sisterly relationship between our countries, we believe these restrictions should be revisited,” she said.

She reaffirmed the community’s commitment to working with Ivorian authorities and ECOWAS institutions to promote regional trade integration.

With both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire being influential members of ECOWAS, the establishment of this Chamber is expected to significantly enhance intra-West African trade and foster deeper economic cooperation between the two nations.