About the NCO

Who We Are

The National AfCFTA Coordination Office (NCO) was established under Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry to drive the country's engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area. The NCO serves as the central hub for coordinating AfCFTA implementation, supporting Ghanaian businesses to access markets across the continent, and ensuring that trade policy translates into real opportunities for entrepreneurs and exporters.

The National AfCFTA Coordination Office exists to ensure that Ghanaian businesses, from small enterprises to large exporters, are positioned to take full advantage of the expanded continental marketplace created by the African Continental Free Trade Area. By bridging the gap between national policy and practical commercial opportunity, the NCO works to deepen Ghana's intra-African trade footprint, helping local companies move beyond primary commodities into higher-value manufactured goods and services. Through targeted programmes, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships with institutions across the public and private sectors, the office supports enterprises in navigating the rules of origin, customs procedures, and market access requirements that govern trade under the AfCFTA framework.

The NCO's governance architecture is designed to be both inclusive and efficient, bringing together government ministries, technical experts, and representatives from the private sector under a coordinated steering structure. This multi-tiered approach ensures that trade facilitation decisions are informed by real-world business needs and that implementation remains responsive to evolving market conditions. Regular consultations, workshops, and conferences enable continuous dialogue among the key actors responsible for Ghana's AfCFTA strategy, while the office maintains a central repository of resources, policy documents, and practical guidance for companies seeking to register, export, or expand their continental reach.

Beyond policy coordination, the NCO is actively committed to building the capacity of Ghanaian entrepreneurs and enterprises so they can compete effectively in regional and continental markets. This includes supporting businesses with the information they need to understand export procedures, meet product standards, and access financing and technical assistance. The office also works to raise awareness of AfCFTA opportunities among the wider business community, recognising that many companies have yet to fully explore the potential of the continent's vast consumer base. By fostering improved competitiveness and market intelligence, the NCO aims to transform trade potential into tangible commercial growth for Ghanaian firms of all sizes.

The office functions as a central point of contact for businesses, institutions, and international partners seeking to engage with Ghana's AfCFTA implementation agenda. Its work spans trade facilitation, enterprise development, and strategic coordination across multiple sectors and regions of the country. As the AfCFTA agreement continues to mature and expand, the NCO remains focused on delivering efficient services, reliable information, and practical support that helps Ghanaian stakeholders navigate an increasingly integrated African economy. Through sustained collaboration with government agencies, development partners, and industry associations, the office is helping to build a more resilient and outward-looking trade ecosystem for Ghana.