SME Connect Capacity Building Programme Reinforces Commitment to Empowering Ghana's Small Businesses

 

ACCRA, Ghana – The importance of empowering Ghana's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships and capacity development took centre stage at the SME Connect Capacity Building Programme held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Thursday, 9 July 2026.

 

Delivering the opening address, SQD. LDR. Naa Amerley Bamba (RTD), Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited (GTFCL)  reaffirmed the programme's commitment to strengthening Ghana's SME sector, describing enterprise development as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation.

 

Speaking to participants, she emphasized that building the capacity of entrepreneurs remains essential for creating resilient businesses capable of competing in both local and international markets.

 

"Empowering SMEs through knowledge, partnerships, and opportunity remains central to our commitment to driving business growth and economic development," she stated.

 

Her remarks underscore the growing recognition that while access to finance remains important, sustainable business growth also depends on equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills, market intelligence, digital capabilities and stronger business networks.

 

SMEs Drive Ghana's Economy

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises account for a significant share of Ghana's private sector, contributing substantially to employment generation, innovation and economic activity.

 

However, many SMEs continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inadequate business development services, low adoption of digital technologies and restricted market access.

 

Industry experts believe initiatives such as the SME Connect Capacity Building Programme provide entrepreneurs with valuable opportunities to strengthen their management capabilities, improve competitiveness and build strategic collaborations.

 

Capacity Building Beyond Training

Business development specialists increasingly argue that successful SME programmes should go beyond classroom training to include mentorship, networking opportunities, technology adoption and market linkages.

 

The SME Connect initiative reflects this broader approach by creating a platform where entrepreneurs can engage with industry experts, business leaders, investors and development partners.

Such engagements are expected to enhance innovation, improve productivity and position Ghanaian businesses for sustainable expansion.

 

Supporting Ghana's Economic Transformation

As Ghana pursues industrialisation and private-sector-led growth, strengthening SMEs remains a national priority.

Well-equipped small businesses have the potential to expand production, create employment opportunities, increase exports and contribute significantly to the country's broader economic transformation agenda.

 

Capacity-building initiatives also complement government efforts aimed at improving entrepreneurship, promoting local manufacturing and supporting the objectives of the emerging 24-Hour Economy.

 

Editorial Perspective

At 24HourBusiness.org, we believe Ghana's economic future will be shaped largely by the success of its SMEs.

While access to funding remains a major concern for entrepreneurs, investments in knowledge, leadership development, digital transformation and strategic partnerships are equally important.

 

Programmes such as SME Connect demonstrate that empowering business owners with the right skills and networks can unlock innovation, improve competitiveness and accelerate sustainable business growth.

 

As the business landscape continues to evolve, collaboration between government, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners will be essential in building a stronger and more resilient SME ecosystem.

 

By 24HourBusiness.org Business Desk