Ghana’s signature textile, FUGU, attracted significant attention at the African Union’s 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with several African Foreign Ministers expressing interest in acquiring the locally produced fabric.

The colourful handwoven fabric, which has become a symbol of Ghanaian heritage and creativity, stood out on the sidelines of the high-level diplomatic gathering, sparking conversations about culture-driven trade and economic diplomacy.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, at the session, noted that nearly every African Foreign Minister present made enquiries about how to obtain their own FUGU apparel, highlighting the growing continental appeal of the Ghanaian textile.

According to him,  the interest presents an opportunity for Ghana’s young entrepreneurs and small-scale producers to expand into new markets across Africa, leveraging diplomacy as a pathway for trade and investment.

The Minister made this revelation in a statement posted on his Facebook wall.

The development underscores the role of culture and creative industries in advancing economic diplomacy, as Ghana continues to promote indigenous products on international platforms to boost exports, create jobs, and strengthen regional economic ties.

Stakeholders have expressed hope that local FUGU producers will seize the momentum to scale up production and tap into the rising demand across the continent.