The World Trade Organization (WTO) has lauded Ghana’s e-commerce system, adding that it can be learned by other countries on the continent.

The Deputy Director General of the WTO, Ambassador Xiangchen Zhang disclosed this to Joy Business on the sidelines of the Public Forum Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Mr. Zhang said Ghana’s e-commerce ecosystem has propelled strong growth through the necessary structures instituted by authorities in the country.

“We are also not surprised by this development in Ghana based on the reforms that the country has undertaken over the years. Ghana has also introduced policies that has helped reformed the businesses environment as well as help young professionals”, he said.

Supporting Ghana’s economy

Mr. Zhang added that the WTO is looking at supporting Ghana to improve income from trade.

“We are also looking at how the World Trade Organization can help Ghana when it comes to developing the business environment which will go a long way to stabilize the economy”.

On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Zhang said the platform could help turn around Ghana’s economy as well as other countries in the region.

“Therefore the WTO is looking at how it can provide the needed Technical and Financial Assistance to Ghana”.

Taxing e-commerce

While the World Trade Organization celebrates Ghana’s success on E-Commence there are discussions on-going about reviewing the moratorium on the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions.

This action could go a long way to influence e-commerce in Ghana and other African countries.

The last extension was agreed in June 2022 at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference.

“We agree to maintain the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until MC13, which should ordinarily be held by 31 December 2023”, the WTO said.

This should mean that from 2024 a decision should be taken about the way forward and whether member countries could be required to start taxing these transactions online.