By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, July 31, GNA – Ghanaian-made products dominated the Consolidated Bank’s Women in SME Fair currently ongoing in Accra.
Featuring women entrepreneurs exhibiting a variety of locally manufactured goods, the fair, organised by the Women of Africa Network in partnership with Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), formed part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship and position women-led businesses to grasp opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Items on display included mineral water, detergents, beads, snacks and beauty products produced to international trade standards.
Among the exhibitors were Haus of Lush, Dash Products and Services, and Eden Blossom Jay and Jay Limited, which displayed products aimed at both local and export markets.
Ms Yaliwe Mlambo, the Chairperson of the United African Blockchain Association, said the exhibition demonstrated the growing capacity of African women entrepreneurs to manufacture and market finished products capable of competing globally.
“It is great to see not only raw products, but also finished products, manufactured products and exportable products that could even be exported globally,” she said.
She urged Africans to support locally manufactured products to strengthen businesses owned by women and boost intra-African trade.
“We need to be more connected as a continent. If I am more comfortable using a product that’s coming from overseas, what happens to the women that are building and investing in businesses?” she asked.
Mrs Naomi Wolali Kwetey, the Managing Director of CBG, said women entrepreneurs were key drivers of economic growth, innovation and national development and, therefore, deserved greater support.
The bank, she said, remained committed to providing financial solutions, business advisory services and financial literacy programmes tailored to the needs of women-owned enterprises.
“We strive to be a trusted partner, providing the financial support, tools and opportunities that empower women-owned businesses to start, grow and succeed,” she said.
Mrs Vida Awumey, Executive Director of the Women of Africa Network, said the conference was to connect women entrepreneurs with buyers, investors and financial institutions while helping them to explore opportunities for business expansion.
Despite the growing number of women-owned businesses, she noted that many continued to face barriers, including limited access to affordable credit, inadequate financial literacy and restricted market access.
Women-led SMEs remain a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy.
Recent findings from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicate that Ghana has more than 2.6 million businesses, with women playing a dominant role in many micro and small enterprises, particularly in trade and services.
Nearly 80 per cent of persons engaged in open-space businesses are women, underscoring their importance in grassroots economic activity.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni