26 Countries Sign Accra Convention to Boost Trade Facilitation and Digitalisation
26 countries signed the UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents (Accra Convention) in Accra on 26 October 2026
In Brief
- •26 countries signed the UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents (Accra Convention) in Accra on 26 October 2026
- •Ghana became the first country to adopt the Convention, enabling goods in transit to be used as collateral for trade finance
- •The Convention harmonises legal frameworks for road, rail, air and sea transport and gives electronic cargo documents the same legal effect as paper
- •Africa’s 2024 trade finance gap is estimated at US$74‑92 billion, with 80‑90 % of freight moves by road and intra‑African trade at 14.4 % of total trade
Why It Matters
The Accra Convention represents a significant step toward modernising trade finance across Africa, potentially unlocking capital for SMEs that previously lacked collateral options. By standardising negotiable cargo documents across multiple transport modes and recognising electronic equivalents, the Convention could reduce legal uncertainty, streamline supply chains, and support the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Key Details
- Total Signatories
- 26
- Signing Date
- 26 October 2026
- First Country to Sign
- Ghana
- Estimated Trade Finance Gap (2024)
- US$74‑92 billion
- Road Freight Share of Africa’s Freight Moves
- 80‑90 %
- Intra‑African Trade Share of Total Trade (2024)
- 14.4 %
Context & Background
The Accra Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 December 2025 and will enter into force after the tenth ratification, acceptance, approval or accession is deposited.
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