Absa Bank Ghana, in partnership with Impact Food Hub, has concluded the second edition of its Agribusiness Launchpad and Accelerator Programme, aimed at equipping agribusiness entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to build, scale and sustain their businesses.
The three-day programme, held at Absa Place, brought together agripreneurs, food processors and other stakeholders across Ghana’s agribusiness value chain for training, expert-led sessions, networking and discussions on business growth and access to finance.
Bridging Ghana’s agricultural potential
Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Edward Nartey Botchway, said Ghana has significant agricultural potential but needs stronger capacity to transform raw produce into globally competitive products.
“We do not lack the ideas; we do not lack the produce; what we lack is the ability to convert what we have into what the world wants.”
He stressed that access to funding must be complemented by sound business practices, systems and knowledge to enable enterprises to grow and compete effectively.
Founder of Impact Food Hub and Convenor of the programme, Dr Mavis Owureku-Asare, said the initiative was designed to address some of the technical and business challenges that constrain agribusiness growth.
She said participants were being equipped with practical knowledge, technical skills and networks to help transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Training in food processing and business management
Participants received training in areas including product development and innovation, food processing technologies, food safety and quality standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), packaging, regulatory compliance and certification.
They were also exposed to financial management and funding options, including a session led by Absa Bank Ghana on how businesses can improve their readiness to access finance.
Call for greater value addition
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, encouraged agribusiness operators to focus on adding value to agricultural produce to increase its market potential.
He noted that while many farmers produce significant quantities of agricultural goods, they often face challenges marketing their products and transforming them into higher-value commodities.
“Adding value is therefore very important, and I encourage each and every one of you to keep adding value,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, also called on financial institutions to develop financing solutions that reflect the unique risks faced by agribusinesses.
She said entrepreneurs require appropriate financial support and safeguards to build resilient and sustainable businesses.
Absa expands agribusiness support
The initiative forms part of Absa Bank Ghana’s broader efforts to support Ghana’s SME and agribusiness sectors.
The bank said it has supported more than 5,000 businesses and individuals over the past five years and disbursed over GH¢700 million to Ghana’s agribusiness sector, alongside business development and capacity-building support.
The programme is expected to help participating entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, improve product quality and increase their readiness to access financing and compete in both local and international markets.
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