Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) Managing Director Dr. Naomi Wolali Kwetey has called for a collective commitment from financial institutions, policymakers and the private sector to expand opportunities for women-led businesses, arguing that unlocking their potential is critical to building a more prosperous and inclusive economy.
Addressing participants at the sixth Women in Trade and Investment Conference and SME Fair in Accra, Wolali Kwetey said empowering women entrepreneurs requires more than policy discussions, urging stakeholders to “unlock the financial opportunities” that will strengthen businesses and create lasting economic impact.
She described women as “key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and national development,” noting that their success extends beyond individual enterprises to stronger families, thriving businesses and more resilient communities.
The 2026 Women in Trade Conference and SME Fair, which commenced on July 29 and runs until July 31, 2026, under the theme “Financial Avenues for Women Entrepreneurs,” has brought together women entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and SME exhibitors to promote business growth through networking, capacity building, market access and expanded financial opportunities for women-led enterprises.
Wolali Kwetey said CBG is supporting that agenda by positioning itself as “more than just a financial institution,” but “a trusted partner” providing “the financial support, tools, and opportunity” women-owned businesses need to start, grow and succeed.
She said the bank has developed financial solutions that respond to the realities confronting many women entrepreneurs, including savings and investment products, flexible financing options and business advisory services designed to support businesses throughout their growth journey.
Aside from financing, she highlighted financial literacy and capacity-building programmes as essential to helping entrepreneurs make informed financial decisions, manage their businesses effectively and achieve sustainable growth. According to her, the initiatives equip business owners with “the knowledge, skills, and confidence” needed to navigate the challenges of running and expanding their enterprises.
The conference also served as a marketplace, with SMEs exhibiting products spanning food, fashion, jewellery, technology and educational materials. The exhibition connected entrepreneurs with potential customers, investors and business partners while giving CBG’s advisory teams direct engagement with the businesses the bank seeks to support.
Dr. Gladys Nkrumah, Executive Director of the Women of Africa Network, described CBG’s involvement as extending beyond sponsorship, saying it demonstrates how inclusive finance is increasingly being translated into practical financial products and services. She said the partnership offers women entrepreneurs not only improved access to capital but also greater visibility for their businesses.
Wolali Kwetey reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women-owned enterprises, encouraging participants to take advantage of the financial solutions and advisory services available through CBG.
Access to finance remains one of the biggest constraints facing women-owned SMEs in Ghana, and the fair reinforced growing calls for coordinated action between banks, development institutions and the private sector to ensure women entrepreneurs receive both the financial backing and business support needed to scale their enterprises.
