Development Bank Ghana Disburses GH"2.5 Billion as Ghana Mobilizes Over GH"1 Billion to Revitalize Poultry and Manufacturing Sectors

Ghana's industrial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat announce massive capital injections into key sectors. DBG has disbursed over GH₵2.5 billion since its inception, targeting agribusiness, manufacturing, and high-value services. Prof. Randolph Nsor-Ambala, CEO of DBG, noted that 60% of this funding has supported women-led enterprises, while 40% has gone to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Simultaneously, the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat and the Accelerated Export Development Authority have secured GH₵1 billion in financing commitments specifically for the poultry value chain. Supported by major financial institutions including ABSA, Fidelity, and Ecobank, this initiative aims to reduce Ghana's 95% reliance on imported chicken, which currently costs the nation roughly US$400 million annually.

In a strategic push for industrial revitalization, DBG is prioritizing the textile industry by identifying five investor-ready projects, with credit approvals for at least two expected before the end of the year. This initiative is supported by a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to provide financing, market development, and capacity building. Beyond capital, DBG is advocating for policy shifts, such as the recently approved textiles and garment policy, to resolve structural constraints. Prof. Nsor-Ambala emphasized that the bank is adopting a whole-of-value-chain approach, expanding its impact beyond the Greater Accra Region to ensure sustainable growth in underserved areas.

The push for productivity and innovation was further highlighted at the 3rd Ghana National Kaizen Awards 2026, hosted by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and UNIDO. The event, attended by President John Mahama's legal counsel, Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, recognized Joy Springs Fruit Company Limited for its operational excellence. GEA CEO Margaret Ansei announced plans to establish a Kaizen Centre of Excellence to provide continuous productivity training for MSMEs. This focus on operational efficiency coincides with warnings from experts at Deloitte Ghana and the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, who urge SMEs to prioritize "bankability" over mere growth. Cheryl Otoo of Deloitte highlighted a persistent US$4.8 billion SME financing gap, noting that businesses must demonstrate robust governance and financial transparency to attract available capital.

From a regional perspective, the 2026 Regional Entrepreneurship Freedom (REF) Index, developed by the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE), has ranked the Eastern Region as the best-performing area for entrepreneurship with a score of 6.82. The Volta and Greater Accra Regions followed closely in an assessment of 3,200 entrepreneurs across the country. These regional insights, combined with sector-specific investments in poultry and textiles, underscore a national effort to build a more resilient and self-sufficient economy. As Ghana prepares for the African Kaizen Awards in Mauritius, the focus remains on bridging the financing gap through better business preparation and strategic government-backed credit interventions.