The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) proudly celebrates the successful culmination of our partnership with the GIZ Ghana Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) Programme, a transformative three-year journey that has delivered meaningful results for Ghana’s MSMEs and green economy.
This significant milestone was recently marked at the official End-of-Project event, where partners gathered to reflect on what can be achieved through shared commitment, coordinated action, and strong collaboration. Supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financing from the European Union, and strategic partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders, the PFS Programme stands as a testament to the power of multi-sectoral partnership. Together, they have empowered over 6,000 MSMEs with business and green skills and helped create or sustain more than 2,000 jobs nationwide.
Through one of the GIZ-PSF initiatives, the GIZ Green Business Competitions for MSMEs, GCIC helped translate this partnership into tangible outcomes, including:
- GHS 20 million in revenue generated
- GHS 4 million in profit realized
- 391 new jobs created
- 43% female leadership among participating enterprises
Over the past three years, the PFS Programme has collaborated closely with business associations, regulators, financial institutions, MSMEs, and regional development actors to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. In her welcome address, Johanna Klotz, representative of the German Embassy, stated “The Support to the Private and Financial Sector Programme, the PFS programme, has shown us that real change happens when we listen, adapt, and co-create solutions with our Ghanaian partners. It has been remarkable to see how this initiative has strengthened access to finance, supported entrepreneurs, empowered women, and nurtured green innovation.
As a key implementing partner within this programme, Ashesi Universities Ghana Climate Innovation Centre played a pivotal role in accelerating green and climate-smart entrepreneurship through the implementation of the GIZ Green Business Competitions for MSMEs, an incubator that supported 60 MSMEs to adopt or scale sustainable, inclusive models that create jobs and minimise environmental impact. Delivering an address on behalf of the Centre, the Executive Director of GCIC, Mrs. Pearl Esua-Mensah highlighted the significance of GCIC’s strategic partnership with GIZ. “At GCIC, we are honoured to have served as a strategic partner under this programme. We have had the privilege of working with passionate Ghanaian entrepreneurs who are solving real problems. Many of these entrepreneurs, some of whom began their journeys with limited resources and capacity, now stand as stronger, more resilient champions of sustainable enterprise. They have developed new skills, expanded their markets, and gained renewed confidence.”
Olivia Kipo, Founder of Kobaa-Ok Enterprise and alumni of the Green Business Competitions shared a testimonial on how the programme transformed her business’ operations and impact. “Through the support received, the company increased its production efficiency by 60%, setting a strong foundation for sustained growth. We also recorded a 40% increase in annual revenue for 2025 and achieved a 90% customer retention rate. Operational improvements were equally impressive, with delivery turnaround time reduced by 60%, enabling faster and more reliable service. The business also expanded its workforce, employing five new full-time staff, and extended its community impact by training over 100 farmers, 70% of whom were women and youth, in efficient water management and agroforestry practices.”
The programme has set a new standard for public-private partnership in fostering a resilient, inclusive economy and GCIC is honoured to have played a significant role.