The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held from August 20th to 22nd, 2025, served as a crucial platform for Ghana to strengthen its commitment to MSME development and foster international collaborations. Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), spearheaded these efforts, engaging in pivotal discussions and showcasing Ghana’s progress in leveraging technology for economic growth. A key highlight was the bilateral meeting with the Japan Small and Medium Enterprises Agency, facilitated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This dialogue underscored a mutual desire to bolster cooperation between the two nations, focusing on critical areas such as MSME financing, capacity building for both businesses and service providers, and the strategic use of technology to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian enterprises. The presence of Professor Nathaniel Bosso, Chairman of the GEA Board, and UNIDO Deputy Director General, Yuko Yasunaga, further emphasized the significance of this collaborative endeavor.
The bilateral discussion delved into the intricacies of MSME financing, acknowledging the challenges faced by small businesses in accessing capital. The two agencies explored potential avenues for collaboration, including knowledge sharing on successful financing models, exploring joint ventures, and facilitating access to Japanese funding sources for Ghanaian MSMEs. The importance of capacity building was also emphasized, recognizing the need to equip both small businesses and business development service providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive environment. The discussion explored potential training programs, mentorship initiatives, and exchange programs to foster knowledge transfer and enhance entrepreneurial capabilities. Finally, the dialogue emphasized the transformative potential of technology in boosting the competitiveness of Ghanaian enterprises. Both agencies recognized the importance of digitalization, automation, and the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance productivity, improve market access, and drive growth.
Beyond the bilateral meeting, Ms. Ansei played a prominent role in showcasing Ghana’s innovative strides in digitalizing its manufacturing sector. Participating in a high-level panel on August 19th, 2025, she presented Ghana’s ongoing digital initiative, a collaborative project with UNIDO. This initiative focuses on integrating digital technologies across the manufacturing value chain, enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and ultimately promoting sustainable growth within the sector. Ms. Ansei elaborated on the initiative’s key components, including the adoption of digital tools for production planning, quality control, inventory management, and market access. She highlighted the positive impacts already observed, such as increased productivity, reduced operational costs, and improved product quality. This presentation served as a testament to Ghana’s proactive approach towards embracing technology as a catalyst for economic transformation.
The keynote address delivered by Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, further amplified the country’s commitment to digitalization and its potential to transform the African industrial landscape. Minister Ofosu-Adjare urged fellow African nations to embrace similar digital strategies, emphasizing the importance of modernizing industries to drive economic growth and competitiveness. She highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies in revolutionizing traditional manufacturing processes, enabling African businesses to participate in the global marketplace on a more equitable footing. The Minister’s address served as a call to action, urging African leaders to prioritize digital transformation as a key pillar of their development agendas.
The GEA’s engagements at TICAD 9 represent a significant step forward in Ghana’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth through MSME development. The conference provided a crucial platform to forge strategic partnerships, share best practices, and showcase the country’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation. The bilateral discussion with the Japan Small and Medium Enterprises Agency, along with the presentation on Ghana’s digital manufacturing initiative, served as powerful examples of the country’s proactive approach to fostering MSME growth. These engagements reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to harnessing international collaborations, technological advancements, and capacity building initiatives to empower its MSMEs and drive economic progress.
The outcomes of TICAD 9 lay the groundwork for continued collaboration between Ghana and Japan, focusing on tangible actions to support MSME development. The shared commitment to promoting innovation, strengthening capacity, and fostering a conducive environment for small businesses is poised to unlock significant economic opportunities for both nations. The insights and partnerships forged at the conference will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of Ghana’s MSME sector, solidifying its role as a key driver of economic transformation.
