Ghana and Burkina Faso seek stronger trade and industrial cooperation at SIAO 2026

Ghana has pledged to enhance trade and investment ties with Burkina Faso via a bilateral trade pact, aiming to foster industrial collaboration, cross-border commerce, and value creation. Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare unveiled this proposal during the inauguration of the 18th International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO 2026) on October 30.

She emphasized potential avenues for partnership in crafts, agro-processing, shea, cotton, leather, and agricultural sectors. Ghana, representing alongside Mali and Niger as Guest of Honour, is exhibiting goods from its 16 regions. The fair displays a variety of Ghanaian products such as Kente, Adinkra, fugu, Bolgatanga baskets, beads, pottery, leather goods, and modern fashion.

Ofosu-Adjare reported that bilateral trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso surpassed $1 billion in the previous year. She underscored the necessity to reinforce border control, align product standards, and simplify the transfer of goods across the nations to further expand trade. The suggested bilateral pact is anticipated to establish a framework for advancing cooperation and generating prospects for enterprises in both Ghana and Burkina Faso.