The African Startups & SMEs in Export & Trade Secretariat (ASSETS) has honoured a select group of outstanding industry professionals with the prestigious Senior Fellow in International Trade Award during the ASSETS 2025 Summit, held in Accra under the theme “Beyond Borders: Made in Ghana, Sold to the World.”
The recognition celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Africa’s international trade ecosystem through advocacy, policy development, innovation, and SME capacity building.
Presenting the awards, H.E. Ignatius Amenfi Gaisie, Uganda’s Honorary Consul-General in Ghana, commended the honorees for their dedication and leadership.
He urged them to “be exemplary in their conduct, uphold integrity, and serve as ambassadors of Africa’s trade transformation.”
He further emphasised that “Africa’s progress in global trade depends not just on policies, but on the people who carry those policies with passion, professionalism, and purpose. Each of these honorees represents the spirit of a new Africa — innovative, ethical, and ready to compete globally.”
Among those honoured were:
Mrs Sylvia Owu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Shippers’ Authority – for her leadership in trade facilitation and SME support.
Mr Ziad Hamoui, President, Borderless Alliance – for his advocacy in promoting regional integration and the free movement of goods under AfCFTA.
Madam Sophia Kudjordji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Jospong Group – for her outstanding contribution to strategic communications and mentorship within Africa’s corporate ecosystem.
Mr Victor Sosah, General Manager, EPAC West Africa – recognised for empowering SMEs through flexible packaging innovations that reduce production costs, lower minimum order quantities, and shorten delivery times—offering a competitive alternative to imports from Asia.
Mr Benjamin Kwaku Asiam, National Coordinator, National AfCFTA Coordination Office, for his instrumental role in shaping Ghana’s national AfCFTA implementation framework.
Mr Bright Evans Darko, Head of SME Department, Ghana EXIM Bank – for his exceptional contribution to SME financing and export development, helping Ghanaian businesses access trade finance and scale internationally.
Mr Henry Abraham, CEO, Organic Farming Aid (OFA) – for pioneering organic liquid fertilisers that double farmer productivity and enhance climate resilience.
Dr Mike Amofa-Danquah, CEO, Madenan Company Ltd – for his leadership in international trade and logistics, strengthening Ghana’s export competitiveness.
Mr Samuel Opoku, Co-Founder, Kutana Technologies – for developing cutting-edge digital payment solutions that enable fast and secure cross-border transactions across Africa.
In his remarks, Mr Peter Adetor, Team Lead of ASSETS, applauded the honorees, stating:
“These distinguished professionals have become pillars of Africa’s trade advancement. Their work inspires the next generation of exporters, innovators, and policy leaders to build a stronger, more connected continent.”
The Senior Fellow in International Trade Award remains the highest professional honour of the EXIM Academy and ASSETS Secretariat, symbolising excellence, leadership, and service to Africa’s trade and economic development.
