Development Bank Ghana and GSS launch MSME Development Index

The Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) have officially launched the MSMEs Development Index (DBG-GSS MDex). This initiative is designed to monitor the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country to provide data-driven insights for policy formulation and financing decisions. The launch, held in Accra, marks the implementation phase of a partnership formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two institutions in September 2023.

To populate the index, over 100 trained enumerators will conduct a comprehensive nationwide survey targeting 5,000 businesses across all 16 regions of Ghana. Scheduled to take place between October and November 2026, the survey will assess MSMEs across eight critical dimensions. These include profitability, innovation, and sustainability, which are essential for understanding the operational health and growth potential of the small business sector in the current economic climate.

Under the terms of the partnership, DBG is providing the necessary leadership and funding for the project, while the GSS is tasked with the technical oversight of data collection and statistical analysis. This collaboration ensures that the resulting index adheres to high standards of data integrity and reliability. The inaugural report from this extensive data collection exercise is expected to be released by January 2027.

The MDex initiative aims to bridge the information gap regarding the MSME sector, which serves as the backbone of the Ghanaian economy. By providing a clear picture of business needs and performance trends, the index will help stakeholders strengthen resource allocation and tailor support mechanisms. This data-driven approach is expected to foster a more resilient and competitive environment for small businesses throughout the country, ensuring they can contribute more effectively to national development.