GEA, Japan SME Agency strengthen ties to unlock MSME financing, technology support

The country’s drive to boost the competitiveness of its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has received fresh impetus, as the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) entered bilateral discussions with the Japan Small and Medium Enterprises Agency during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held from August 20 to 22, 2025.

The engagement, facilitated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), focused on financing for MSMEs, building the capacity of small businesses and service providers, and leveraging technology to position Ghanaian enterprises to compete on regional and global markets.

GEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Margaret Ansei, led the Ghanaian delegation, supported by the Chairman of the GEA Board, Professor Nathaniel Bosso. Japan was represented by senior officials of its SME Agency, while UNIDO Deputy Director-General, Yuko Yasunaga, facilitated the talks. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ghana-Japan cooperation in enterprise development for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

According to Ms. Ansei, the discussions mark a critical step in aligning Ghana’s MSME sector with global standards through international partnerships. “We are looking beyond local support systems and tapping into proven global experiences. Japan has demonstrated leadership in MSME growth, and we believe Ghana can learn and adapt to these models,” she noted.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, Ms. Ansei took part in a high-level panel session on August 19, ahead of the main TICAD 9 conference, where she showcased Ghana’s progress in digitising manufacturing floors. The initiative, spearheaded by GEA in collaboration with UNIDO, is designed to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and drive innovation across Ghana’s manufacturing sector.

She stressed that digital transformation is no longer optional for small businesses seeking growth, but an imperative for survival and global relevance. “Through our digital floor initiative, we are preparing Ghanaian enterprises to compete in the 21st century manufacturing landscape,” she said.

The TICAD platform also spotlighted Ghana’s broader trade and industrial agenda. Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, delivered the keynote address, urging African economies to embrace digitalisation and partnerships as the new drivers of industrial growth. She underscored the importance of leveraging technology to modernise production systems, enhance productivity and strengthen Africa’s role in global value chains.

Industry watchers note that Ghana’s engagements at TICAD signal a deliberate policy shift toward embedding technology and innovation in enterprise development, while expanding international linkages for MSME financing and technical support. With MSMEs contributing over 70 percent to Ghana’s GDP and employing the majority of the workforce, the sector remains central to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

By forging closer ties with Japan—renowned for its SME ecosystem, Ghana is positioning its enterprises to benefit from advanced technologies, business models and funding streams that can accelerate their growth and competitiveness.

The GEA’s active role at TICAD 9, analysts argue, reflects Ghana’s resolve to harness international platforms not only for investment promotion but also to secure long-term partnerships that directly impact small business development.

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