The unequal flow of goods between Africa and Europe

""If you produce the chicken, they're not buying it. So you can't produce it," said Charles K. Donkor, chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association in the Ashanti region, who runs a farm with 200 employees, where thousands of laying hens are kept."

""We can't create jobs for young people this way," he explained to DW."

"Despite having to pay 30 percent import duties, imported chicken can still be up to 35 percent cheaper than local products, according to a study from 2023."

"For half a century now, a growing number of treaties and agreements have been designed to ensure mutually beneficial trade between Europe and Africa at least in theory, and on paper."

Ghana benefits from significant export surpluses due to abundant resources like gold, cocoa, and oil. However, trade agreements have led to challenges for local industries. For instance, 80 percent of chicken consumed in Ghana is imported, making local production uncompetitive despite high import duties. This situation discourages local poultry farming, impacting job creation. Historical trade treaties aimed at fostering beneficial trade between Europe and Africa have not always translated into favorable conditions for local producers, highlighting the complexities of international trade dynamics.

Read at www.dw.com