The German Development Agency (GIZ) “Made-in-Ghana” Expo held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), saw more than 60 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) gather to display a range of products and services to the public.
The Ghana-Germany SME Training and Exchange Programme is being carried out by COGNOS International with funding from Invest for Jobs, a project of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Development Agency (GIZ), and other partners. The Expo is a part of this program.
The event, which was accessible to the public, provided a chance for networking with new business partners and provided customers interested in food and drink, fashion, textiles, cosmetics, shea butter, furniture, decorative goods, and other items with a chance to shop.
The Concept
The Country Director of GIZ Ghana, Regina Bauerochse Barbosa, declared that the exhibition was an opportunity to increase understanding of the significant contribution of SMEs to growth and job creation when it opened in Accra on August 17.
“We can rely on the creativity, innovations and ideas made in Ghana, thereby supporting sustainable growth and employment creation. Let’s promote Ghanaian products in Ghana and beyond,” she stated.
He claimed that the objective of enhancing the capacities of these SMEs with growth and export potential to increase their readiness to compete in national and international markets was supported through training and matchmaking possibilities with European companies.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Daniel Krull, the German ambassador to Ghana, claimed that the country’s economic success, inclusive growth, and the creation of jobs for an increasing number of hopeful Ghanaians were all driven by entrepreneurial spirit.
He claimed that the expo was evidence of Ghana’s vibrant culture and exceptional creativity and innovation.
“I commend all the promising entrepreneurs participating in the programme. We are proud to share this part of your exciting journey. I am convinced that you will make ‘Made- in-Ghana’ a great success and a prestigious brand across the world,” he said.
Non-traditional exports
Stella Ansah, Team Leader of the MSME Division at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), noted that Ghana has recently used the development of NTEs to diversify its economy.
According to her, Germany is viewed as a powerful friend whose market can provide genuine Ghanaian goods and SMEs with the necessary visibility.
The Managing Director (MD) of COGNOS International, Mathias Afting, expressed his excitement in the SMEs and how far they had come.
“We are really impressed by the Ghanaian companies and entrepreneurs we have met and are proud of the number of jobs that have been able to create. It demonstrates the power of collaboration between Europe and Africa,” he said.
The 60 SMEs will continue to receive follow-up counseling, Mr. Afting emphasized, to help them improve their business practices.
