Japan empowers GEA with over US$300,000 worth of MSME support

By Buertey Francis BORYOR

The Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, has received support in the form of six Toyota Hilux pick-ups, alongside essential office equipment, in a significant boost to the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Provided by the Government of Japan with technical assistance from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the support – worth over US$300,000 – is to enhance GEA’s capacity to deliver training services across the nation using the Kaizen approach – creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements.

The move forms part of the “Expanding the Kaizen” initiative funded by Japan. It seeks to enhance sustainable agri-business projects, underscoring the commitment to scale national efforts for MSME promotion, focusing on sustainable and continual enhancement of business quality and productivity across Ghana.

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hisanobu Mochizuki, highlighted his country’s dedication to Ghana’s development: “This support to GEA reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Ghana’s growth, particularly in improving economic prospects and enterprise performance through efficient resource maximisation”.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator, described the support as timely. “MSMEs play a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, driving societal development and generating employment. Through capacity-building, the UN’s support in the country aims to facilitate MSME growth, market access and international trade.”

For his part, Stavros Papastavrou, representing UNIDO in Ghana and Liberia, pledged continued support to promote the Kaizen approach and industrial development in Ghana.

Expressing gratitude for cooperation, Kosi Yankey, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Enterprises Agency, highlighted the government’s focus on MSME development as a cornerstone for job creation and economic development.

“The support from the Government of Japan and UNIDO is invaluable to our industrial transformation agenda and the post-pandemic recovery efforts,” she noted.

She added: “Recognising the pivotal role of MSMEs in driving economic growth, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) and UNIDO have forged a strategic partnership, focusing on empowering women — a vital component of Ghana’s economic fabric”.

Launched in September 2022, the project aims to improve the quality and productivity of Ghana’s MSMEs through Kaizen practices and UNIDO’s digital dashboard system, “Smart and Sustainable Agri-Business (SSAB),” illustrating a commitment to revitalising the economy and transforming industry and agriculture in line with Ghana’s national goals.

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