New Cartagena-Tema Port Route: Port and Trade Agreement Between Colombia and Ghana During the CELAC-Africa Forum

Colombia and Ghana have signed an agreement to establish a direct maritime route between the Port of Cartagena and the Port of Tema. The alliance, announced during the CELAC-Africa Forum, seeks to boost the exchange of goods and is complemented by an intercontinental business matchmaking forum that recorded USD 16 million in transactions.

Transatlantic Logistical Connectivity

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority inspected the Port of Cartagena’s facilities to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The agreement was made official during the closing ceremony of the CELAC-Africa High-Level Forum, with the participation of Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

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The document establishes a direct trade corridor between the Port of Cartagena and the Port of Tema. The purpose of this maritime connection is to drive foreign investment, promote infrastructure development, and facilitate logistical and tourist transit between Latin America and Africa.

Exports and Market Access for Small Businesses

As part of the diplomatic agenda, the first Business Matchmaking Forum between Colombia and African countries was held. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism and ProColombia, generated trade agreements initially valued at USD 16 million, with the attendance of international buyers from Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa.

ProColombia’s Vice President of Exports, Nicolás Mejía, reported that USD 6 million of the total amount comes from deals secured by small Colombian enterprises. This figure represents the entry of smaller-scale local companies into foreign trade, using the African market as a launching pad for internationalization.

Perspectives on Economic Integration

Leaders from both nations project that the port and trade exchange will boost intercontinental tourism and help close economic gaps by leveraging shared natural resources. The Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Tito Yepes, categorized the figures from the matchmaking forum as proof of the profitability of the economic and diplomatic outreach strategy toward Africa.