As part of its mandate to accelerate growth of the competitive private sector, Development Bank Ghana (DBG), under the auspices of the SME-GO programme, has committed to supporting women-led SMEs under “AdvansHer”, a programme initiated by Advans Ghana Savings and Loans.

The AdvansHer programme has been launched by Advans Ghana Savings & Loans, one of DBG’s key Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs) to address the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, providing them with 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 address the 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.

DBG believes in supporting businesses beyond funding by cultivating a thriving, supportive environment for the Ghanaian private sector.

Since commencing operations about three years ago, DBG has extended more than GHS 1.5 billion to support Ghana’s private sector.

Of this, GHS 511 million has been disbursed to over 350 women-owned or women-led businesses.

DBG intends to disburse a further GHS 500 million within the next 2 years to women owned or women-led business.

This is in line with DBG’s ambition of disbursing GHS 1billion to over 1000 women owned, or women led business within the first five years of operations.

Under the AdvansHer initiative, DBG is leveraging the SME-GO programme to support Advans Ghana Savings & Loans to further empower women entrepreneurs with an additional GHS 14 million in loans as well as 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.

Michael Mensah-Baah, Deputy CEO of DBG, highlighted the importance of DBG’s role in establishing lasting financial access and opportunities for SMEs through the SME GO programme: “DBG’s partnership with Advans Ghana under 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.”

Guillaume Valence, CEO of Advans Ghana, added, “At Advans Ghana, we believe in the power of financial inclusion as a catalyst for economic growth and social development and we recognize the pivotal role women entrepreneurs play in driving Ghana’s economic development. Currently, over 61% of our loan clients are women, Thus the AdvansHer programme is designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by women through education (Financial Literacy Training), access to tailored financial products like our Edusave and support for women entrepreneurs (Networking opportunities, Coaching & Mentorship) to help upscale their business.

The AdvansHer programme reflects our commitment to providing women with the tools, resources, and financial backing they need to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.”

Together, DBG and Advans Ghana are advancing gender equality and economic inclusivity within Ghana’s financial sector.

The AdvansHer programme exemplifies a strategic investment in Ghana’s future, building a more resilient economy where empowered women entrepreneurs are poised to drive sustainable growth nationwide.

About Development Bank Ghana

Development Bank Ghana is a wholesale financial institution established by the Government of Ghana.

DBG acts as a provider of long-term capital to the market with a mission to foster strong partnerships to finance economic growth, create jobs, and build capacity for SMEs.

The organisation is committed, aligned and strengthened to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ambitions and targets while implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy aimed at creating shared value and impact with purpose.

The Bank has received funds from the World Bank, European Investment Bank, Kreditanstalt Für Wiederaufbau (KfW), and the African Development Bank.

About Advans Ghana Savings and Loans

Advans Ghana Savings and Loans Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Advans Group, headquartered in Paris-France with a presence in nine countries in Africa and Asia, which serves more than 1.3 million clients and employs over 8,000 staff.

Our shareholders include International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Investment Bank (EIB), Advans Invest, FMO, British International Investment (BII), KFW and Agence Française de Development (AFD).

In Ghana, Advans serves over 130,000 clients and employs 600 staff.

It currently operates with 19 branches in 8 regions – Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, Volta, Northern, Central and Eastern – and ambitions to be the preferred financial partner for small businesses in Ghana.