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We have much in common with our colleagues here in Ghana. We both speak for second-hand clothes traders who are not fools who would accept imports of “waste” but people who want to run successful businesses. We both speak for traders who are creating jobs, sustaining livelihoods and providing our people with affordable clothing choices. We both want our countries to prosper." - Teresiah Wairimu, Chairperson, MCAK Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya speaking at the launch of the Ghana Used Clothes Dealers’ Association's Report - ‘An Evaluation of the Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact of the Second-hand Clothes Trade in Ghana’

🇬🇭💔 It's truly disheartening to see international brands we've grown to love gradually leave Ghana. Over the last two years, Ghana has witnessed a worrying trend of global companies closing their doors and stepping away from the Ghanaian market. This isn't just about losing favorite shopping spots or brand options; it's a reflection of deeper economic and operational challenges that need addressing. Why are they leaving? The reasons range from high operational costs and unstable economic conditions to intense competition from local brands that better understand our unique needs. We can't ignore the impact of regulatory complexities and infrastructural gaps that make conducting business here in Ghana more challenging. But it's not enough to just know the problems; we need solutions. We must call for enhanced economic stability and regulatory reforms that make doing business in Ghana not only viable but also profitable. Improved infrastructure, like better roads and stronger digital connectivity, could significantly reduce operational hurdles. Moreover, offering incentives and fostering partnerships between global and local businesses could create a thriving ecosystem beneficial to all. Let's voice these needs! Let's urge our leaders and decision-makers to take decisive steps to make Ghana a haven for businesses once again. We deserve a thriving economy that attracts and retains the best in the world. 🌍✨ #GhanaBusiness #EconomicGrowth #GlobalBrandsInGhana

Meeting with Industry Leaders in Ghana – Insights and Challenges During my visit, my colleague Sajid Riaz from ELT Global had the privilege of meeting Honourable Mr. Jeffren Boakye Abrokwah, Chairman of the Ghana Used Clothing and Shoes Association, and his wife. Our discussions were eye-opening and provided a deep dive into the challenges and efforts being made to support the industry in Ghana. Supporting Local Workers: Mr. Abrokwah is dedicated to supporting the many people who rely on this industry for their livelihoods. The industry is a significant source of employment, and ensuring the flow of quality goods is vital for sustaining these jobs. Bad Press on UK Supplies: Despite negative perceptions, UK traders are recognized for their quality. However, recent economic changes have led to a reduction in volume. The perception that UK suppliers are dumping rubbish in Ghana is unfounded. We primarily send high-quality, A-grade items, and it’s crucial to communicate this effectively. Entrepreneurial Spirit: The industry in Ghana is full of entrepreneurial spirit. Many small businesses and local sellers depend on the quality of goods we provide. However, they are facing immense challenges due to poor-quality bales, high import duties, and the influx of subpar Chinese goods. Economic and Logistical Challenges: The depreciation of the local currency, high processing and freight costs, and unreliable shipping services are creating significant barriers. Additionally, local shops are struggling as there is a lack of financial circulation, leading to decreased purchasing power. Mr. Abrokwah emphasized that UK traders still hold a strong reputation, but we face significant challenges such as quality issues in unsorted textiles, high processing and freight costs, and depreciating local currency. It’s crucial for us to address these issues collaboratively to maintain our leadership in this market. By working together with our partners and improving our practices, we can support the Ghanaian market more effectively and continue to provide valuable employment opportunities. #IndustrySupport #GlobalTrade #QualityControl #ELTGlobal #MarketInsights

Smart Marketing, Uganda Special Part 6. In Uganda, a Chief Accountant earns c.$3,000 per year. Most people earn less than $500. Few Ugandans can afford to buy designer fragrances from the west, although some can afford counterfeits brought in from China. The famous global brands are widely known and highly desirable. Owning one confers status and pride. The bottles themselves are valuable since they can be refilled at low cost with fragrances that resemble the originals. This illustrates the aspirational appeal of expensive, luxury brands the world over. #branding #marketing #luxury #smartmarketing. If you like my approach to illustrating useful concepts, check out my new/best-selling books: ·    The Smart Advertising Book: lnkd.in/eCMQAesc (pre-order now!) ·    The Smart Branding Book: lnkd.in/erMAGNVX ·    The Smart Marketing Book: lnkd.in/dhvxP_j ·    The Soft Skills Book: lnkd.in/esTbkdkP or visit my website www.smartmarketing.me.

𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮: 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮'𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗯 In recent years, Ghana has been gaining attention as a potential key player in Africa's apparel manufacturing landscape. As global brands seek to diversify their supply chains, Ghana's unique combination of factors positions it as an intriguing option: • 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲: Since 1992, Ghana has maintained democratic stability, ranking highly in Sub-Saharan Africa for rule of law and security. • 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: An English-speaking labor force facilitates smoother international business operations. • 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Competitive labor costs ranging from $70 to $120 per month Government initiatives including tax holidays and duty-free imports for industry-related goods While challenges remain, Ghana's progress in becoming West Africa's largest garment producer signals its commitment to growth in this sector. As the global apparel industry continues to evolve, Ghana's developing role offers an interesting case study in African manufacturing potential. The picture shows (from left to right) Julian Stodt (AVE Senior Project Manager), Selma Salifu (Owner and Managing Director of Dignity DTRT Ltd), Nura Salifu (Owner and CEO of Sixteen47 Ghana Ltd).

In Lagos, Nigeria, Adaugo sat at her desk, surrounded by the colors of African textiles laced on her walls.   “Africa has potential. Don’t hurry to leave, my daughter. We just haven’t found it.” Her mother had reassured her as a child.Years later, Adaugo wondered why her mother’s words were still words and not reality after all these years. She was now twenty-six, and stuck in the same loop, reminiscing on the words her mother had told when she was ten.  Adaugo’s journey began when she combined her love for Nigerian fashion with her love for digital marketing. She founded an online platform showcasing traditional African attire, leveraging social media to reach a global audience. What started as a small venture in her spare time quickly grew into a thriving e-commerce business, attracting customers from abroad who desired the authenticity and craftsmanship of African fashion. The turning point came when Adaugo realized the potential of cultural diplomacy in boosting her business. Inspired by Nigerian Afrobeats around the continent, she collaborated with local musicians and dancers for international recognition to create viral marketing campaigns that celebrated African culture in all its richness.  Adaugo soon expanded her operations by tapping into Africa's digital talent pool.  Recognizing the continent's potential as a hub for outsourcing digital services, she established partnerships with young tech enthusiasts across Africa. As Adaugo’s business flourished, she started using a percentage of her company’s profits to invest in improving connectivity and lowering costs in rural areas in her country and across the continent. As we progress into the future, we are developing more and more ways to tap into our potential, as a nation, and as individuals.Making an impact as a whole starts with us as individuals. Just like  Adaugo, the little we do can certainly develop us into a thriving continent, tapping into our potential one day at a time. #Africanstories #opportunities #Africa

The key to creating employment in Africa according to Strive Masiyiwa --- This video is credited to CNBC Africa

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿: 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮. Let us all face it, the purchasing power of the average Ghanaian consumer right now is taking a serious hit from the economic uncertainties piling up. Families all around are having to adapt - swapping food choices, adjusting shopping habits and so on, just to survive.   Though businesses in Ghana have not been spared in this economic struggle and are also facing an uphill battle, they need to put the consumer ahead in the architecture of their operations by making their existing products more affordable and accessible. At the end of the day, consumer demand is the lifeline of businesses.   Also, for marketing campaigns to hit the consumers, companies need to do their homework on what the needs of their consumers truly are. They have to be sensitive to the fact that many Ghanaian families are barely keeping their heads above water financially. To succeed in this environment, companies should consider enhancing the affordability and accessibility of their existing product lines.   The bottom line is navigating this economic crunch requires a total rethink of how marketing is done in Ghana. #𝘼𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, #𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 #𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 should be the key priorities. By meeting consumers where they are and addressing their unique financial constraints, businesses can forge a path to sustainable growth and success in this challenging economic landscape.

I am expressing my concern regarding the recent shift in Uganda’s import preferences, with Tanzania now accounting for 72.3% of all merchandise imports. This change signifies a loss of value for Kenya as a key port of entry for Uganda’s imports and exports. Our neighboring country, Tanzania, has demonstrated greater efficiency and competitiveness, which has led to this shift. It is crucial for our government to consider offering more favorable terms to Uganda for their imports and exports. Uganda’s trade activities have been a cornerstone for thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in Kenya, particularly for transit truck drivers and other logistics professionals. Without immediate action to improve our trade terms and infrastructure, we risk further economic decline and job losses. I urge the government to prioritize this issue and work towards regaining our position as a preferred trade partner for Uganda.

Get up close and personal with the Ghanaian consumers. Download the free report from a recently concluded Consumer Pulse Study. Click here: https://lnkd.in/dhDgrWe3 #PierrineReports #GhanaConsumerPulse #ConsumerInsights #MarketTrendsGhana #ConsumerBehavior #GhanaEconomy