Algeria and Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation, with a focus on empowering African entrepreneurs and businesses through trade and investment. In a joint communiqué issued this week following high-level talks in Algiers, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Ghanaian counterpart Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for “African solutions to African challenges,” particularly in energy, agriculture, and technology.
The two leaders also discussed expanding market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those led by members of the Algerian diaspora in Ghana. The communiqué highlights joint ventures in renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation—sectors with growing private-sector interest.
For entrepreneurs on both sides, the renewed push for intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents new opportunities. Ghana, a logistics and financial hub, is emerging as a key partner for Algerian firms looking to scale across West Africa.
Energy and infrastructure at the center
Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership. Algeria, Africa’s third-largest natural gas producer, sees Ghana as a strategic partner in diversifying energy supply and promoting cleaner technologies. “We are ready to support Ghana in its transition to renewable energy through expertise from Sonatrach and other Algerian firms,” Tebboune said during the talks.
Sonatrach, Algeria’s state-owned oil and gas giant, has already expressed interest in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ghana to help stabilize its energy grid. According to Algeria’s Ministry of Energy, the country exported over 2 billion cubic meters of gas to African partners in 2024, a figure expected to rise with new pipeline and LNG projects.
Agriculture and food security are also highlighted. Ghana’s growing demand for processed foods and agricultural inputs aligns with Algeria’s push to expand agro-industrial exports. The Algerian Chamber of Commerce (CACI) reports that Algerian food exports to sub-Saharan Africa rose by 15% in 2024, with Ghana among the top five destinations.
Diaspora entrepreneurs see new openings
For the Algerian diaspora in Ghana and across West Africa, the renewed political commitment could translate into practical support. “We’ve been advocating for easier trade routes and business visas between Algeria and Ghana,” said Amine Belaid, founder of a digital payments firm in Accra. “If AfCFTA is implemented properly, it could cut costs and speed up cross-border transactions.”
Belaid’s company, which facilitates remittances from the Algerian diaspora to families back home, could benefit from reduced transaction fees under AfCFTA’s trade facilitation protocols. Currently, remittances from Ghana to Algeria face high fees due to banking restrictions and currency controls.
Algerian entrepreneurs eyeing West Africa
Algerian SMEs specializing in solar energy, fintech, and agro-processing are increasingly looking toward Ghana as a gateway to West Africa. “Ghana’s stable currency and growing tech ecosystem make it attractive for Algerian startups,” explained Yacine Boukhatem, director of a solar power company based in Oran.
In 2024, Algeria’s exports to Ghana totaled $85 million, up from $60 million in 2023, according to Algeria’s National Office of Statistics. Key products include pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and processed foods. But entrepreneurs say red tape and limited direct flights remain barriers.
“Direct flights between Algiers and Accra would cut travel time and costs,” Boukhatem noted. “Currently, we have to route through Casablanca or Istanbul, which adds to expenses.”
AfCFTA’s role in unlocking trade
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021, aims to create a single market of 1.3 billion people. Under AfCFTA, tariffs on 90% of goods will be eliminated, potentially boosting trade between Algeria and Ghana.
For Algerian entrepreneurs, AfCFTA could mean easier access to Ghana’s port of Tema, one of West Africa’s busiest, reducing logistics costs. Ghana has already removed tariffs on several Algerian goods, including dates and olive oil, under interim agreements.
But challenges persist. Non-tariff barriers such as customs delays and inconsistent regulations still hinder trade. “We need harmonized standards and better coordination between customs authorities,” said an official from Algeria’s Export Promotion Centre (ALgex), speaking on condition of anonymity.
Renewable energy and technology partnerships
Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan targets 10% of its energy mix from renewables by 2030. Algerian firms like New Energy Algeria (NEAL) and Condor Electronics could play a role in supplying solar panels, inverters, and off-grid solutions.
“There’s real demand in rural Ghana for mini-grids and solar home systems,” said a NEAL spokesperson. “Algeria’s expertise in desert solar technology could be adapted for Ghana’s tropical climate.”
On the technology front, Algerian fintech startups are exploring partnerships with Ghanaian firms to offer cross-border payment solutions. The Central Bank of Algeria’s recent fintech regulations, introduced in 2023, have created a more enabling environment for such ventures.
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs
Algerian and Ghanaian businesses can leverage the AfCFTA and bilateral agreements to expand trade, particularly in energy, agriculture, and fintech. Diaspora entrepreneurs may see reduced costs from streamlined remittances and easier travel. However, customs reforms and infrastructure upgrades will be critical to fully unlocking these opportunities.
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