GNAGM celebrates successful completion of GIZ-supported financial management training

In a vibrant ceremony held at the conference room of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Head Office in Accra, the Ghana National Association of Garment Makers (GNAGM) celebrated the successful completion of the training of its members in the Improving Access to Finance training for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The event, attended by members of the association, representatives from other trade association and GIZ representatives, highlighted the achievements of a flagship initiative under the GIZ Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) Programme, which has so far trained 2,909 MSMEs from 13 different trade associations across Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions.

This capacity-building initiative targeted members of the 13 national trade associations, including GNAGM, to enhance their capacity to manage their business efficiently, promote business growth and enhance their ability to engage more workers. The training focused on building capacity in business, financial and risk management to help the entrepreneurs make informed financial decisions, improve their business management practices, and enhance access to financial services.

The training was designed with inclusion at its core. Of the 2,909 participants trained across thirteen trade associations, 778 — representing 27 percent — were members of the Ghana National Association of Garment Makers (GNAGM). Overall, 54 percent of participants were women, 46 percent were men, 17.4 percent were persons with disabilities and 26.7 percent were young entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 35.

The GNAGM ceremony was a celebration of the impact of the intervention, with the presentation of certificates to the graduates. Some of the graduates shared how the training has led to their understanding of saving small amounts of their income to expand their businesses, better manage their finances and how they have been able to access credit from some financial institutions. According to others, they have been able to open accounts with some financial institutions and have started saving.

With support from GIZ and funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the initiative aligns with Ghana’s national development priorities and Germany’s 2030 Agenda for Reform.

It contributes to inclusive private sector growth, financial resilience, poverty reduction, women’s economic empowerment and job creation, while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8 and 10) and promoting equitable, long-term growth.

As part of the broader PFS programme, GIZ Ghana continues to work with financial institutions, regulators and trade associations to create enabling conditions for MSMEs to thrive.

A short documentary highlighting beneficiaries’ voices and transformation stories can be viewed on our social media platforms.

As a provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education work, GIZ is dedicated to building a future worth living around the world. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security.

We work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is our main commissioning party. Currently, GIZ promotes sustainable development in Ghana via about 50 programmes and projects.

Our activities currently cover three priority areas: Energy and Climate, with a concentration on renewable energy and energy efficiency; Training and Sustainable Growth for Decent Jobs; and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies, which looks at good governance.

PFS GIZ has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to implement the Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PSF) Programme.

PFS aims to improve the employment situation in Ghana. The programme is designed to supplement the Ghanaian government’s efforts to improve the framework conditions for employment and income in the Ghanaian private sector, particularly among MSMEs, and empower MSMEs to contribute to economic development by creating jobs. PFS seeks to promote an inclusive and sustainable MSME ecosystem in Ghana and further provide tailored interventions to improve livelihoods.

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