…says Africa must leverage AfCFTA for economic independence
By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa has noted continued support and willingness to align with government of Ghana’s new development priorities through strategic and targeted investments.
He said focus are on areas that promote industrialisation, agriculture modernisation, job creation, and economic transformation.
He was speaking at a press briefing and media engagement session in Accra, where he noted that the bilateral relationship between Ghana and China is experiencing a new phase of strategic cooperation, which involves broader, deeper engagement beyond infrastructure development.
“We are willing to do our best to help the Ghanaian government achieve its agenda. Our cooperation goes beyond traditional infrastructure investment. We are focusing on aligning with Ghana’s national priorities to support areas such as industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, youth employment, and trade.
“We know you have 24-hour economy, free programmes… you have a lot. We will see how China can align with those focuses of the Ghanaian government. But of course, one focus is to help achieve industrialisation and agricultural modernisation,” he stated.
Trade between the two countries reached nearly US$12 billion in 2023, making China Ghana’s largest trading partner for several years running.
“There is strong communication between our two countries, and we will continue to expand in key sectors that support Ghana’s growth,” the Ambassador said.
According to him, China is also facilitating access to international trade platforms for Ghanaian businesses. He revealed that nearly 1,000 Ghanaian businesses are currently participating in the ongoing China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair).
“Our visa office has been extremely busy because many Ghanaians are travelling to explore trade opportunities,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Tong announced that China will host a ministerial meeting in June 2025 under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. The event will include the fourth China-Africa Trade Fair, which will feature African products and promote trade partnerships.
“We are happy that Ghana will send a high-level delegation to showcase the country’s products and engage with potential investors,” he added.
He noted that under the FOCAC framework, China has committed to implementing ten action plans with African countries, covering trade promotion, connectivity, industry, development cooperation, and capacity building. “These plans are tailored to align with the specific development agendas of each partner country, including Ghana,” he emphasised.
The Ambassador indicated that China’s approach is not just about investment, but about partnership saying “We are not here just to invest; we are here to grow together with Ghana and Africa. This is the spirit of our strategic partnership,” he said.
AfCFTA
On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ambassador Tong commended Africa’s ambition to achieve economic integration and independence.
He emphasised that China fully supports the goals of AfCFTA, describing the initiative as a game-changer for Africa’s development.
“We see the AfCFTA as Africa’s second independence—this time economically. The last century saw political independence; now is the time for economic liberation. With a population of 1.4 billion and a growing youth demographic, Africa holds enormous economic potential. China is ready to be a partner in unlocking that potential,” he asserted.
He further stated that China is engaging with the AfCFTA Secretariat and also working through the African Union to promote trade facilitation, industrial cooperation, and infrastructure development across the continent.
“Our collaboration is rooted in mutual respect and mutual benefit. We support the unification of African markets and economies. We want to see Africa become a single, powerful trading bloc,” he said.
