The government has unveiled plans to unlock GH¢6 billion in concessional lending over the next two years to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Ghana.

Announcing the initiative at the 2025 International MSME Day celebration in Accra, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosuhene-Adjare, said the program will be implemented in collaboration with international development partners. The goal is to improve access to affordable financing, foster business growth, and enhance scalability across the sector.

Describing MSMEs as bold, creative, and resilient, the Minister likened them to a malnourished child—full of potential but deprived of the nourishment needed to thrive. She noted that the limited growth of many MSMEs is not due to a lack of ambition, but rather systemic barriers within the business environment.

Referencing a 2022 study by Effah and colleagues, Ofosuhene-Adjare highlighted that most MSMEs operate informally, which restricts access to financial services, digital platforms, and government support. She also cited poor digital literacy and high infrastructure costs as major challenges preventing MSMEs from leveraging mobile money and social media for commercial growth.

To address these barriers, the government is introducing targeted policies for micro-enterprises and streamlining regulatory processes. A key element of this strategy is the Business Regulatory Reform (BRR) Unit, which is working to digitize and coordinate registration and certification processes across agencies, making it easier for small businesses to operate formally.

Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), said this year’s MSME Day theme—"Empowering MSMEs: Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future"—reflects both the sector's challenges and its aspirations.

“In a world facing rapid digital transformation and growing environmental concerns, MSMEs remain key to economic resilience and innovation,” she said.

She emphasized that the GEA is pursuing a comprehensive development strategy, focusing on:


  • Expanding access to finance and markets


  • Enhancing productivity and digital skills


  • Promoting business formalization


  • Supporting inclusion for women, youth, and persons with disabilities

Globally, MSMEs account for about 90% of businesses, contribute roughly 50% to GDP, and provide over 70% of employment. In Ghana, they represent 92% of registered businesses, contribute 70% to GDP, and supply 85% of jobs in the manufacturing sector, according to the Office of the Registrar of Companies.

The celebration also brought together development partners including the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU), GIZ, MTN Ghana, MobileMoney Ltd. and Stanbic Bank.