The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), in collaboration with German Development Cooperation, has launched the “Green Business Competitions” program aimed at creating over 100 jobs. Thirty Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) from sectors like renewable energy, waste management, water management, and sustainable agriculture have been selected in the first phase.
Over the next six months, these MSMEs will receive extensive advisory services, technical assistance, and financial support. The initiative is designed to foster innovation and generate green employment opportunities across five regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo. This effort underscores German Cooperation’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainability in Ghana’s economic landscape. Notably, agriculture engages 69.1% of the population in these regions, with significant cashew cultivation spanning 63,234 hectares in the Bono and Ahafo regions.
Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) globally provide over 80% of the workforce and are substantial contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In Ghana, the MSME sector employs more than 80% of the workforce and generates over 70% of GDP. Despite their vital role in the Ghanaian economy, MSMEs face numerous challenges. These include limited access to credit facilities, technology and equipment, high borrowing costs, inadequate skilled labor, insufficient management capacity, and difficulties accessing markets.
“This program demonstrates our commitment to fostering a resilient green economy in Ghana,” said Benjamin Attigah of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), implementing the program on behalf of the German Government. “By supporting these MSMEs, we are not only creating jobs but also promoting sustainable business practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.”
The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), hosted by Ashesi University, serves as the program’s implementing partner. Leveraging its expertise in nurturing startups and scaling enterprises in the green economy, GCIC provides business advisory services, technical support, market access, and financial assistance.
“At GCIC, our mission is to empower businesses to thrive in the green economy,” said Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of GCIC. “This program exemplifies how we can provide vital support to ensure these enterprises not only survive but also scale successfully.” She encouraged entrepreneurs to utilize the support provided, including beyond the initial grant, to effectively grow their businesses.
The Green Business Competition for MSMEs represents a major stride toward sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship in Ghana. By fostering innovation within the green economy, these MSMEs are driving positive change and steering the nation toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. This initiative is in line with the government’s vision to enhance value addition through processing and manufacturing, offering promising opportunities for development in these five regions and beyond.