Women entrepreneurs have been encouraged to position their businesses for regional and international markets as Ghanaian-made products took centre stage at the Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) Women in SME Fair currently underway in Accra.
The exhibition, organised by the Women of Africa Network in partnership with CBG, is aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises, connecting them with investors and buyers, and helping them tap into opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A wide range of locally manufactured products, including mineral water, detergents, beads, snacks and beauty products, were displayed by women-owned businesses targeting both domestic and export markets.
Exhibitors such as Haus of Lush, Dash Products and Services, and Eden Blossom Jay and Jay Limited showcased finished products produced to international trade standards.
Yaliwe Mlambo, Chairperson of the United African Blockchain Association, said the exhibition reflected the increasing capacity of African women entrepreneurs to manufacture value-added products capable of competing in global markets.
“It is great to see not only raw products, but also finished products, manufactured products and exportable products that could even be exported globally,” she said.
She urged consumers across the continent to support African-made products, arguing that stronger patronage of locally manufactured goods would help women-owned businesses expand and boost intra-African trade.
“We need to be more connected as a continent. If I am more comfortable using a product that’s coming from overseas, what happens to the women that are building and investing in businesses?” she asked.
CBG Managing Director Naomi Wolali Kwetey said women entrepreneurs remain central to economic growth and innovation and require greater financial and institutional support.
She said the bank was committed to providing tailored financing, business advisory services and financial literacy programmes to help women-owned enterprises grow and become more competitive.
“We strive to be a trusted partner, providing the financial support, tools and opportunities that empower women-owned businesses to start, grow and succeed,” she said.
Vida Awumey, Executive Director of the Women of Africa Network, said the fair was designed to create business linkages between women entrepreneurs, financial institutions and potential investors while addressing challenges that continue to limit the growth of women-led businesses.
She noted that many women entrepreneurs still face limited access to affordable credit, inadequate financial literacy and restricted market access.
Women-led small and medium enterprises remain a major pillar of Ghana’s economy.
Data from the Ghana Statistical Service shows that Ghana has more than 2.6 million businesses, with women playing a dominant role in micro and small enterprises, particularly in trade and services.
Nearly 80 per cent of people engaged in open-space businesses are women, highlighting their significant contribution to employment creation and grassroots economic activity.
Organisers said the fair demonstrates the growing potential of women-led Ghanaian enterprises to move beyond local markets and compete across Africa under the AfCFTA framework.
