Ghana and Japan Strengthen Ties to Boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Strategic Insights -

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) has strengthened its ties with Japan's Small and Medium Enterprises Agency through bilateral discussions held during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in August 2025. The engagement, facilitated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), focused on financing for MSMEs, building the capacity of small businesses, and leveraging technology to position Ghanaian enterprises to compete on regional and global markets. The discussions marked a critical step in aligning Ghana's MSME sector with global standards through international partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bilateral meeting between GEA and Japan's SME Agency aimed to strengthen cooperation in enterprise development, with a focus on financing, capacity building, and technology transfer for MSMEs.
  • The discussions reflected Ghana's policy shift toward embedding technology and innovation in enterprise development and expanding international linkages for MSME financing and technical support.
  • Ghana's engagement at TICAD 9 underscored the country's resolve to harness international platforms for long-term partnerships that directly impact small business development.
  • Ghana's MSME sector, contributing over 70 percent to the country's GDP and employing a majority of the workforce, remains central to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
  • The GEA's role at TICAD 9 highlighted the agency's commitment to leveraging international partnerships to boost the competitiveness of Ghana's MSMEs.
  • Ghana's Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized the importance of digitalization and partnerships in driving industrial growth, urging African economies to adopt these strategies.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 percent of Ghana's GDP is contributed by the MSME sector.
  • MSMEs employ the majority of Ghana's workforce.
  • 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) was held in August 2025.

Sources:

  • Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA)
  • Japan Small and Medium Enterprises Agency
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
  • The Business and Financial Times