The sixth edition of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair has been launched by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries.

The Fair is themed “Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area for Economic Development”.

The highly anticipated Fair, scheduled to take place from November 26 through December 10, 2023, will be held at the Ho Sports Stadium.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, stated during the launch in Ho that the Fair aims to promote industrialization with a purpose of fostering the region's private sector, which he described as the hub of the local economic development.

According to him, this could be done by creating a thriving local economy, which would then lead to the growth of the area and effective citizen participation.

“Industrial growth can only occur within a growing economy. We can only grow competitive industries when our economies are on the producing end and not on the receiving end”, he said.

“As an entrepreneur, I have personally tried it and I can assure you, it works”, he stressed.

However, he advised Ghanaian companies to prioritise value addition to bring their goods on par with those of their foreign competitors on the international market.

The 6th Volta Trade and Investment Fair's theme was praised by His Excellency Eliphas Barine, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Ghana, for being in line with the objectives of the African Union.

The Volta Region has the potential to gain enormously from the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative, according to the UNDP Resident Representative, Her Excellency Dr. Angela Lusigi.

“This region is endowed with a rich tapestry of resources, from agricultural products to tourism, and has the potential to emerge as a key player in the African trade landscape. With its fertile lands, picturesque landscapes, growing manufacturing base, vibrant young entrepreneurs, and flourishing tourism sector, the Volta region has much to offer.

The region is in a favorable position to contribute significantly to Ghana’s export portfolio within the AfCFTA framework. For instance, the Volta region’s traditional industries, such as handicrafts and textiles, can be revitalized and integrated into the broader trade framework. This will not only preserve cultural heritage but also empower local communities and generate income”, she said.

She entreated local businesses to tap into the expanded AfCFTA market to reach larger markets on the continent to increase their trades and profit margins.

She however, explained that this can only be achieved with strategic planning, infrastructure development, and capacity building, hence entreating stakeholders “to invest in modernizing the region’s transportation networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure to seamlessly connect with other African markets”.

The Volta and Oti Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, Dela Gadzanku, disclosed that activities lined up for the Fair included the 2nd Volta Youth Summit, Maiden Volta Women Entrepreneurs Summit, Sports Investment Summit, Sports Heroes Award, Creative Arts Summit,AfCFTA Youth Innovation Contest, Volta Tours, Volta Bear Festival, and Round table meeting on the automotive policy

He hinted at some new additions to the annual fair, which are the creation of AfCFTA Village for exhibitors from other African countries and cultural nights for participating countries to showcase their valuable cultures and traditions.

“Togbe chairman, the stage is set for participants to explore uncharted territories, forge new partnerships, and pioneer groundbreaking initiatives”, he added.

The 6th Volta Trade and Investment Fair would provide a platform to promote goods, services, arts, culture, and tradition.

It is expected to attract about four hundred indigenous exhibitors and foreign companies.