Gov’t targets GH¢6 Billion for 100,000 MSMEs by 2027 at MSME Day 2026

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Ghana's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), calling for accelerated digitalisation and increased access to affordable financing to unlock the sector's full economic potential.

The commitment was made during the 2026 International MSME Day Celebration held in Accra, where policymakers, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, development partners and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for empowering small businesses in an increasingly digital economy.

The event was organised by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry under the theme:

"Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs."

Speaking on behalf of the Parliamentary Committee, Chairman Alexander Hottordze highlighted the enormous contribution of MSMEs to Ghana's economy, describing the sector as the engine of job creation, innovation and economic growth.

According to him, MSMEs account for more than 90% of registered businesses in Ghana, provide approximately 80% of employment, and contribute nearly 70% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"MSMEs remain the backbone of our nation's economic growth," Mr. Hottordze stated.

He stressed that strengthening the sector through technology, innovation and improved financing would significantly boost productivity, competitiveness and economic inclusion.

One of the major highlights of the celebration was the launch of the MSME Digital Gateway, a new digital platform designed to help small businesses access essential services through a single integrated system.

The platform will connect entrepreneurs to:

• Financial services and credit opportunities
• Local and international markets
• Business training and capacity-building programmes
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
• Business advisory and mentorship services
• Government support programmes

Mr. Hottordze welcomed the initiative, saying the Digital Gateway will help prepare Ghanaian businesses for the rapidly evolving digital economy while ensuring that technological innovation remains people-centred.

"It was encouraging to witness the launch of the MSME Digital Gateway," he said.

Another major announcement at the event was government's commitment to mobilise GH¢6 billion in affordable financing for small businesses by 2027.

The financing programme aims to support at least 100,000 MSMEs, with particular emphasis on businesses owned by women and young entrepreneurs.

The initiative seeks to address one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses in Ghana—limited access to affordable credit.

Officials believe improved financing will enable businesses to expand operations, adopt new technologies, increase productivity and create more employment opportunities.

Stakeholders at the forum emphasised that Artificial Intelligence is transforming businesses globally and that Ghanaian MSMEs must be equipped to take advantage of emerging technologies.

The event underscored the importance of ensuring that AI adoption enhances productivity, improves market access and strengthens business competitiveness while remaining inclusive and accessible to entrepreneurs of all sizes.

The government's human-centred approach seeks to ensure that technology complements entrepreneurship rather than replacing it, allowing businesses to innovate while creating sustainable jobs and improving livelihoods.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism assured entrepreneurs that Parliament will continue to support policies and legislation aimed at improving the business environment, expanding access to finance and encouraging innovation.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that initiatives such as the MSME Digital Gateway and the planned GH¢6 billion financing programme will significantly strengthen Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The celebration reinforced the critical role MSMEs continue to play in driving industrialisation, reducing unemployment and supporting Ghana's long-term economic transformation.