Absa Bank Ghana, in partnership with Impact Food Hub, has concluded the Agribusiness Launchpad and Accelerator Programme 2.0. The three-day capacity-building initiative was hosted at Absa Place, Absa Bank's head office, and brought together agripreneurs, food processors, and other stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain.
Agribusiness Entrepreneurs Get Practical Skills
The programme aimed to equip agribusiness entrepreneurs with practical skills, technical knowledge, and insights to strengthen, scale, and grow sustainable businesses. Participants were taken through various sessions, including product development and innovation, food processing technologies, food safety and quality standards, and financial management and funding options.
Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Edward Nartey Botchway, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between Ghana's agricultural potential and its ability to produce globally competitive products. He emphasized that funding works best when combined with the right practices, and businesses need systems, structures, and knowledge to grow and compete.
Value Addition and Access to Finance
Founder of Impact Food Hub and Convenor of the programme, Dr Mavis Owureku-Asare, said the programme was designed to help agripreneurs address technical and business challenges that limit their growth. She stated that the programme was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, technical skills, and access to networks that will help them transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, encouraged participants to focus on value addition and develop the capacity to turn agricultural produce into products with greater market value. He emphasized the importance of adding value to agricultural produce to increase market value.
Absa's Continued Commitment to Supporting SMEs
Absa Bank Ghana has demonstrated its continued commitment to supporting Ghana's SME and agribusiness sectors. Over the past five years, the bank has supported more than 5,000 businesses and individuals and disbursed over GH¢700 million to Ghana's agribusiness sector, in addition to business development and capacity-building support.
The Agribusiness Launchpad and Accelerator Programme 2.0 builds on Absa's efforts to support Ghana's agribusiness sector. The programme is a crucial step in bridging the gap between Ghana's agricultural potential and its ability to produce globally competitive products. With the support of Absa and Impact Food Hub, agribusiness entrepreneurs are better equipped to strengthen, scale, and grow sustainable businesses, ultimately contributing to the growth of Ghana's economy.
Source: Joy Online
