A new multi-sector partnership opening free trade certification, digital hubs, and global market access to 200+ Ashanti Region MSMEs with room for more partners to join.
Elizka Relief Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Trade Council (ITC) a global not-for-profit business organisation to open free trade-readiness training, ESG certification, and international buyer connections to entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and MSMEs across Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
A New Chapter in Ghana’s Trade Story
On 9 July 2026, at Ghana Investment & Trade Week 2026, Elizka Relief Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Trade Council during a ceremony at The Palms Convention Center, Accra. The agreement was signed by Jermaine James Chapfiwa, Representative of the International Trade Council (Chairperson for Zimbabwe), on behalf of the ITC, and by Mr. Kofi Kankam, President and Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of Elizka Relief Foundation.
The MoU establishes a non-binding framework for cooperation covering trade promotion, knowledge sharing, trade mediation and arbitration awareness, capacity-building, and other programmes that support inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
In Their Own Words
“Strong communities create strong economies. By partnering with Elizka Relief Foundation, we are investing in people, entrepreneurship, and practical opportunities that can transform local potential into international success.”
— Jermaine James Chapfiwa, Representative, International Trade Council (Chairperson for Zimbabwe)
“Economic transformation begins with partnerships that create opportunity. This collaboration with the International Trade Council reflects our commitment to equipping entrepreneurs, strengthening local industries, and connecting African innovation to global markets. Together, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth, resilient communities, and a future where opportunity knows no borders.”
— Kofi Kankam, President & Chief Executive Officer, Elizka Relief Foundation
What This Partnership Delivers
Beyond the MoU, Elizka and the ITC have built a 2-year operational roadmap (2026–2028) to turn the agreement into on-the-ground results across the Ashanti Region the Offin Basin, Atwima, Amansie, and Kumasi hubs.
Free access for producers and MSMEs to:
- ExportReady.org training — practical, export-readiness skills
- QIBCertification.org ESG badging — internationally recognised green/ethical trade credentials
- Africa Trade Connect — a global buyer-matchmaking portal
These tools are being opened to twelve industry demographics across four clusters: agriculture & agrifood; energy, climate & green industry; manufacturing & packaging; consumer goods & lifestyle; textiles, fashion & creative industries; tourism, hospitality & foodservice; healthcare & wellness (incl. traditional medicine); mining & industrial supply; construction & green infrastructure; technology & digital trade; transport & logistics; and trade & market-entry services.
Who Can Join — Membership Tiers
| Tier | Who it’s for | What you get |
| Youth & Student | Youth in tech, creative arts, fashion, tourism; students | Free ExportReady.org access, digital-skills workshops, youth change-maker network |
| Professional & Expert | Agronomists, researchers, consultants, CSOs, herbalists | Joint whitepaper participation, policy advocacy network, international trade certifications |
| Cooperative & ASM Transition | Agricultural co-ops, mining-transition cohorts, energy hubs | Group ExportReady enrolment, mine-reclamation ESG verification, Phase 2 pilot eligibility |
| MSME, Enterprise & Industry Guild | Agro-processors, packaging, artisans, construction, logistics, healthcare | Fast-track QIB certification audit, Africa Trade Connect listing, B2B trade matchmaking |
How the Partnership Works
Elizka Relief Foundation — On-the-Ground Lead
Mobilises MSMEs, cooperatives, miners, traditional medicine practitioners, artisans, and traditional authorities. Establishes and manages community Digital Trade Hubs. Verifies field-level environmental, safety, and gender standards.
International Trade Council — Platform & Validation Lead
Provides free licence access to ExportReady.org and QIBCertification.org. Reviews and fast-tracks certification applications. Facilitates buyer matchmaking via Africa Trade Connect.
Be Part of Ashanti’s Next Export Story
Whether you run a farm, a workshop, a cooperative, or an organisation looking to invest in inclusive trade there’s a place for you in this partnership.
