Ghana has officially marked its inaugural national observance of International MSME Day with the announcement of a strategic policy framework targeting accelerated growth within the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The event, held in Accra on June 27, 2025, presented a measured yet focused agenda toward digital integration, financial inclusion, and industrial development.
The policy direction, delivered by Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, centers on a four-pronged commitment projected for delivery by 2027. Speaking under the theme “Empowering MSMEs, Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future,” the Minister outlined the government’s intention to drive operational efficiency, improve access to capital, and expand digital onboarding.
“We are gathered as a full spectrum of Ghana’s enterprise ecosystem, from government and development partners to financiers and technology enablers, to connect, collaborate and chart a bold new path,” she stated.
The four core targets are as follows:
- Unlock GHS 6 Billion in Affordable Lending to support at least 100,000 MSMEs, with 60% of the funds reserved for youth and women-led enterprises.
- Operationalise Three Industrial and Agroecological Parks offering shared facilities such as energy and logistics infrastructure to enable scale and job creation.
- Cut Certification Time and Costs by 40% for 5,000 MSMEs seeking regulatory approvals from agencies including the FDA, GSA, and ORC.
- Digitally Onboard 250,000 MSMEs to improve their access to finance, market visibility, and formal registration through digital platforms.
“These goals are ambitious, but ambition is what this moment demands,” the Minister affirmed, signaling that a collective review of progress will be conducted by mid-2026.
During her address, the Minister described MSMEs as “bold, creative and resilient,” yet observed that many remain disconnected from the broader economy. “It is like watching a movie from outside the cinema, seeing the action but unable to participate fully,” she said.
A 2022 study on digital transformation in the MSME sector was cited as context, pointing to limitations in digital literacy, informality, and underuse of mobile and social tools. Still, the Minister noted examples of “digital bricolage,” referring to entrepreneurs who sustain businesses using basic tools like WhatsApp, Instagram, and mobile money.
Beyond the 2027 targets, the government has initiated broader institutional realignments. The National MSME and Entrepreneurship Policy is undergoing revision, accompanied by a costed implementation plan. The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) has been tasked with developing a new strategic roadmap with emphasis on underserved groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and informal operators.
Additional policy instruments include simplification of business registration through the Business Regulatory Reform (BRR) Unit, investment in digital skills under the Apprenticeship-to-Entrepreneurship Programme, and expansion of access to mobile-based financial services. The establishment of a Women’s Bank is also underway to ease capital constraints for female entrepreneurs.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprises Agency, GIZ Ghana, UNDP, UNCDF, the European Union, MTN, and Stanbic Bank. It brought together a cross-section of policymakers, entrepreneurs, financiers, development partners, and academia, who engaged in business clinics, exhibitions, and expert panel sessions.
