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The Government of Ghana has announced strong new measures to help Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) grow and compete on international markets.
Speaking at this year’s SMSEs Day Celebration in Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, said the government is committed to making it easier for small businesses to access digital tools, funding, and certifications.
This year’s event was held under the theme: “Connecting the Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Digital Opportunities for MSMEs.” It was hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and the United Nations in Ghana, with support from the UN Joint Programme and funding from the Joint SDG Fund, the European Union, and other partners.
According to the Minister, many MSMEs in Ghana are innovative and hardworking but struggle to grow due to limited access to technology, finance, and regulatory support. “They see the action but can’t fully participate,” she said, comparing MSMEs to “a child full of potential but lacking nutrients.”
To fix this, the government is:
- Creating simplified digital systems for registering and certifying businesses;
- Improving access to affordable loans, especially through partnerships with banks and fintechs;
- Investing in digital skills training, especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities;
- Building new industrial parks and processing zones to support small businesses;
- And revising national MSME policies to better support today’s entrepreneurs.
The government also aims to help 5,000 MSMEs meet international standards for export and to bring 50,000 businesses onto digital platforms by 2026.
“We are building a stronger, more inclusive economy where no entrepreneur is left behind,” the Minister said.
The event highlighted how digital tools and smarter policies can unlock the full potential of MSMEs to drive Ghana’s growth.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu