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The German Government has supported over 57 Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country with 200 pieces of modern machinery and equipment to boost their production capacity and operational efficiency.
The support, which was made possible through the African SME Network for Exchange and Trade (AfNEXT), also included tailored training for key personnel from each participating
SME in areas such as quality management, international marketing and occupational safety and health.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to close SMEs' financing gap—estimated at $4.8 billion in Ghana and nearly $331 billion across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German Development Agency (GIZ) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Speaking at the closing of the African SME Network for Exchange and Trade Project in Accra, the Team Leader of Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, John Duti, stated that the project helped to bridge the gap by facilitating and co-financing the procurement of more than 200 pieces of machinery and equipment for over 57 beneficiary SMEs.
Participants in the event
“This investment enables these beneficiary SMEs to boost their production capacity and improve efficiency.
“In addition, the project provided training for key personnel from each participating SME in areas such as quality management, international marketing, and occupational safety and health.
This was complemented by customised in-factory coaching delivered by experts and tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise,” he said.
He said the project enables export-oriented enterprises engaged in joint learning and exchange sessions with enterprises from Egypt and Ethiopia, and was supported to attend trade fairs across Europe, Africa and other regions.
He said this support was enhancing the export opportunities of these selected enterprises and facilitating their access to global markets.
He added that the blend of financial assistance for procurement of machinery, training, technical support and international exposure is expected to accelerate business growth and create more than 300 decent jobs.
Mr Duti explained that the installation and use of modern equipment enables SMEs to improve their efficiency while saving money through the reduced wastage of utilities such as water and electricity, as well as other resources.
This, he said, makes an important contribution to a just transition where the economy becomes not only more inclusive but also more eco-friendly.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, said the closing ceremony marked the successful completion of the African SME Network for Exchange and Trade.
He said the AfNEXT project exemplified the power of integrated support, combining financial assistance through equipment grants, capacity building and international exposure.
He said this holistic approach ensured short-term fixes and long-term growth and improved market access across the country.
A Director at the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Philomena Dsane, who commended the project, stated that through the deliberate pairing of experienced industry leaders with up-and-coming SMEs, the AfNEXT project initiative served as a living bridge between theoretical knowledge and the practical demands of the marketplace, ensuring that entrepreneurs gain not only guidance but also actionable insights that accelerate their growth.
“By engaging beneficiaries of the AfNEXT project as mentors, we create a ripple effect that guarantees the continuity of progress already made, while amplifying its impact across multiple value chains, thereby strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of our local enterprises in domestic and international markets,” he added.
