By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
The Business Advisory Service Providers Association of Ghana (BASPAG) and the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG), with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment (GTI) activity, developed and launched a Business Development Service (BDS) Application and Ghana Business Directory to harness technology integration by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the agribusiness sector.
The BDS App and Ghana Business Directory aims to provide business development, listing and profiling, search and discovery – and catering services specifically for the needs of Ghanaian SMEs in the agribusiness sector.
The app – with features such as real-time updates, user-friendly interfaces and customizable services to meet the particular needs of different businesses – will enable SMEs to connect with BASPAG and CAG’s network of professional business advisors, facilitating direct interactions and consultations.
This initiative is in its initial phase and is set to benefit over two hundred SMEs and institutions in the country over the next six to twelve months – also empowering business owners with personalized guidance and support, enhancing their ability to make well-informed decisions and implement effective business strategies.
The launch of BDS and the Ghana Business Directorate aligns with CAG and BASPAG’s commitment to promoting private investment and expanding trade, ultimately contributing to Ghana’s economic growth and resilience.
Both the BDS App and the Ghana Business Directorate can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Appstore.
Speaking at the presentation, on topic “Empowering Ghana’s Agribusiness: Unlocking Growth Through Digital Innovation”Juliana Asante-Dartey, Deputy CEO-Agri Impact Group, highlighted the important role that SMEs play in the agricultural sector. and also mentioned that they play a critical role in the financial sector, hence the need to embrace technology.
He said: “Agriculture has long been the backbone of the country’s economy, contributing about 20% to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product and providing employment for nearly 44% of its population. and in this sector, SMEs serve as the engine of growth, driving innovation, sustainability and economic progress – hence the need to harness technology to revolutionize agribusiness in the country.”
Highlighting the role of technology in agri-economic development, he said that technology has the power to transform agricultural businesses and make them more efficient, flexible, productive and profitable… adding that precision farming techniques, digital markets and technological solutions they boost productivity, reduce waste and open up new markets for farmers.
Ms Asante-Dartey further emphasized the need to put inclusivity at the forefront of technological progress, saying: “Innovation is not only about efficiency, but also about creating new opportunities for growth and ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to everyone. It is important that we promote and develop technology solutions that are accessible to all – regardless of size, scale or location – to ensure that no one is left behind.”
It also supported the development of user-friendly solutions that can be easily adopted by smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth and people with disabilities in order to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of technological innovation are widely distributed.
The President-BASPAG, Sam Atiemo, also explained that the app is a catalyst and a beacon of hope for SMEs who are waiting to connect with consultancy and better manage their businesses, access technologies, access export markets and to gain access to financial assistance for the sustainable development of their businesses.
He added that the platform will encourage a trusted transaction instantly, efficiently with minimal cost, boost productivity and increase sales.
Talking about other benefits of the app, he revealed that the platform will help BASPAG reach about five thousand SMEs and facilitate their sales to about US$5 million.
Mr. Atiemo further urged SMEs to take advantage of the platform to grow their businesses.
Nikaj van Wees, head of Party-GTI, also called for more cooperation in order to make a huge contribution to SMEs, the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole.
“By joining forces, resources and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can create lasting impact and drive positive change across the country.”
About partners
BASEBALL
BASPAG is dedicated to supporting the development of SMEs in Ghana by providing high quality business advisory services and working closely with stakeholders to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses.
CAG
CAG supports cooperatives and smallholder-led agribusinesses with technical, market and regulatory services – with an absolute commitment to playing a leadership role dedicated to enriching the agribusiness sector in Ghana through purposeful advocacy, lobbying, capacity building and agricultural finance.
Power the Future
Feed the Future is the US government’s global hunger and food security initiative that works to give families and communities around the world the freedom and opportunity to escape food insecurity and malnutrition.
