Rising global trade fragmentation and growing uncertainty over supply chains pose fresh risks to developing economies, but Ghana still has significant opportunities to strengthen its position in regional and global trade, the World Bank has said.

Speaking at the 2026 Seminar Series in Accra, the World Bank’s Regional Director, Seynabou Sakho, said the shifting global trading landscape—marked by disruptions to supply chains and increasing protectionist tendencies—requires countries like Ghana to adapt quickly while capitalising on emerging opportunities.

“If you think about the global trading system, it’s becoming more uncertain and more fragmented,” she said, noting that countries are rethinking supply chains, industrial policy, food security, technology and market access without strong collective coordination mechanisms.

She cautioned that while these dynamics introduce risks, they also open new avenues for countries willing to reposition themselves strategically.

“For countries like Ghana, this creates risk, but also whenever you have risk, the other pendant is opportunities. And you should never let the risk prevent you from seizing on the opportunities,” she added.

Sakho stressed that expanding trade remains one of the most effective tools for driving job creation, boosting productivity and supporting long-term structural transformation.

“So this is a priority area for the World Bank Group, because trade expansion remains one of the most powerful channels for creating jobs, raising productivity and supporting structural transformation,” she said.

She highlighted Ghana’s strategic role in regional and global markets, describing it as well-placed to benefit from deepening continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

According to her, Ghana can leverage the AfCFTA framework by strengthening regional value chains, improving export competitiveness and accelerating efforts to diversify its export base.

“Ghana has a role also within both the region and the continent and beyond the continent, the world. When you see how Ghana’s exports fare, it’s a global country when it comes to trade,” she said.

She added that building a more diversified export sector would be critical for enhancing resilience and sustaining economic growth amid global uncertainty.