Ghana: DBG partners AdvansHer to Empower Female-Led SMEs

Development Bank Ghana (DBG) has pledged support to women-led SMEs under the “AdvansHer” programme, initiated by Advans Ghana Savings and Loans as part of its mandate to accelerate the growth of the competitive private sector. This commitment is facilitated through the SME-GO programme.

The AdvansHer programme, launched by Advans Ghana Savings & Loans, one of DBG’s key Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs), aims to address the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs by providing flexible funding and resources for capacity building.

The SME Growth and Opportunity (GO) Programme is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential SMEs across Ghana. Coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, this programme offers a comprehensive package of financial and technical support, including capacity-building sessions, to tackle critical funding constraints faced by SMEs.

DBG’s commitment to the AdvansHer programme reflects its broader mission to close financial access gaps faced by SMEs across Ghana. The bank believes in supporting businesses beyond funding by cultivating a thriving, supportive environment for the Ghanaian private sector.

Since its inception three years ago, DBG has extended more than GHS 1.5 billion to support Ghana’s private sector, with GH₵511 million disbursed to over 350 women-owned or women-led businesses. The bank plans to disburse an additional GH₵500 million within the next two years to women-owned or women-led businesses, aligning with its goal of disbursing GH₵1 billion to over 1,000 women-owned or women-led businesses within the first five years of operations.

Under the AdvansHer initiative, DBG leverages the SME-GO programme to empower women entrepreneurs further. This includes an additional GH₵14 million in loans and dedicated resources for financial literacy and business skills training. The capacity-building component aims to equip 200 women with essential skills in cash flow management, budgeting, and strategic business decision-making.

Deputy CEO of DBG, Michael Mensah-Baah, emphasized the importance of DBG’s role in establishing lasting financial access and opportunities for SMEs: “DBG’s partnership with Advans Ghana under the SME-GO programme is a testament to our mission to create a sustainable and inclusive economic environment. By addressing financial access, capacity building, and mentorship, we empower women entrepreneurs and SMEs across the country to reach new heights, contributing to economic growth and resilience. Through initiatives like AdvansHer, we are strengthening the economic foundations of women-owned businesses and, in turn, creating a stronger, more inclusive Ghanaian economy.”