The Association of Ghana Industries-Energy Service Centre (AGI-ESC), in partnership with the World Bank, has launched the Energy Smart Businesses pilot initiative to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
The programme will focus on SMEs in key sectors such as agribusiness, garment and textiles, and hospitality, industries where high energy usage often drives up operational expenses.
Over the next six months, 35 selected businesses across Ghana will receive free on-site energy audits, tailored recommendations to cut energy consumption, staff training on energy-saving practices, and the opportunity to join a national peer learning network on energy efficiency.
Baerbel Freyer, Chief Technical Officer of AGI-ESC, highlighted the project’s importance, saying that “SMEs are vital to Ghana’s economy but face high energy costs that limit their growth. This pilot project provides the tools and expertise to help businesses operate more efficiently and competitively, while also enabling them to serve as pioneers and role models for other SMEs.”
The initiative aims to demonstrate the business case for energy efficiency, showing how SMEs can reduce costs, boost competitiveness, and contribute to Ghana’s broader sustainability agenda. Organisers hope the pilot will serve as a model for nationwide energy efficiency interventions while also strengthening local expertise in sustainable energy management.
The pilot project is fully funded by the World Bank. Interested companies can apply online via www.agiesc.com before September 30, 2025. The selection process will prioritise enterprises with high energy consumption and strong potential for impact.
By supporting SMEs to adopt energy-smart practices, the AGI and World Bank partnership seeks to build a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable private sector in Ghana.
