The President and Co-Founder of the Ghana-Sweden Chamber of Commerce, Pearl Delali Vanderpuije, has urged African manufacturers to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand production, compete and grow across the continent.

She made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd International Manufacturing Conference & Awards and the 2nd Ghana Eminence Conference and Awards 2026, held at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The event, organised by The Business Executive, brought together manufacturers, business leaders and distinguished personalities to celebrate excellence in industry, entrepreneurship, professional achievement, public service and other areas of national development.

Vanderpuije said AfCFTA presents African manufacturers with a growing continental market but stressed that the opportunity would only yield meaningful results if businesses increased production and added value to locally sourced raw materials.

“The opportunity before us is to change the narrative by producing more, adding value to our raw materials, and trading among ourselves,” Vanderpuije said.

She noted that Africa has historically been positioned largely as a supplier of raw materials and a consumer of finished products, urging businesses and policymakers to work towards reversing that trend through stronger industrial production and intra-African trade.

According to her, manufacturers seeking to benefit from AfCFTA must invest in technology, skills, quality, innovation and efficiency to compete effectively within Africa and in international markets.

Vanderpuije also identified Sweden as a potential strategic partner in Africa’s industrial transformation, particularly in innovation, production and value addition. “Sweden can be a strategic partner when it comes to innovation and then production and adding value,” she said.

She said the manufacturers recognised at the ceremony demonstrate that African businesses can produce quality goods, create jobs and compete successfully in both continental and global markets.

Vanderpuije further linked manufacturing growth to strong leadership, saying productive businesses and capable leaders are both essential to building a successful economy. She congratulated the manufacturers and individuals honoured at the event and urged them to sustain their contributions to Ghana’s economic and social development.