The German Development Cooperation, in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has marked the successful completion of the African SME Network for Exchange and Trade (AfNEXT).
The AfNEXT initiative aimed to increase the production capacity and export readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana with critical equipment and technical assistance.
In all, more than 50 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating across the country benefited from the programme.
The support led to an increase in production capacity and improved access to markets of beneficiary SMEs.
The project was supported by the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” which operates under the brand Invest for Jobs.
It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, among others.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, SMEs face a financing gap of nearly $331 billion, with an estimated $4.8 billion in Ghana alone.
AfNEXT helped bridge this gap byfacilitating and co-financing the procurement of more than 200 pieces of machinery and equipment for over 50 beneficiary SMEs.
The investment is enabling these beneficiary SMEs to boost their production capacity and improve efficiency.
In addition, the project provided training for key personnel from each participating SME in areas such as quality management, international marketing, and occupational safety and health.
This was complemented by customised in-factory coaching delivered by experts and tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise.
Through cooperation with sequa gGmbH, export-oriented enterprises engaged in joint learning and exchange sessions with enterprises from Egypt and Ethiopia and were supported to attend trade fairs across Europe, Africa and other regions.
This support is enhancing the export opportunities of these selected enterprises and facilitating their access to global markets.
The blend of financial assistance for procurement of machinery, training, technical support and international exposure is expected to accelerate business growth and create more than 300 decent jobs.
Speaking at the event, Team Leader of Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, John Duti, explained that “the installation and use of modern equipment enables SMEs to improve their efficiency while saving money through the reduced wastage of utilities such as water and electricity as well as other resources.
“This makes an important contribution to a Just Transition where our economy becomes not only more inclusive but also more eco-friendly.”
“So, through this support, the project has enhanced productivity, competitiveness, export readiness, innovation, and job creation potential of more than 50 Ghanian SMEs across different manufacturing sectors,” he said.
He said over 200 machines had been procured through co-financing and delivered to SMEs.
“One of our key value propositions as we invest for jobs is our emphasis on private sector cooperation, which have successfully co-created the SMEs through the co-financing arrangements for the purchase of these equipment,” Mr Duti said.
He said modern equipment actually saved a lot of resources, such as water, electricity, and other resources, while reducing waste.
He said the project had also allowed the exchange between the Ghanaian SMEs and their counterparts from Egypt and Ethiopia.
Also, 10 export-oriented Ghanaian enterprises participated in joint online trainings and coaching with Ethiopian and Egyptian firms, focusing on export requirements and international best practice.
Director of Finance and Administration at AGI, Nathaniel Quarcoopome, said the beneficiaries of the AfNEXT gained critical skills and knowledge in areas essential to modern business success, such as food safety, occupational health and safety, marketing, quality assurance, business management, and maintenance.
“These competencies not only improve operational standards but also build resilience and sustainability in an increasingly competitive market,” he said.
“The AFNEXT project exemplifies the power of integrated support, combining financial assistance through equipment plans with capacity building and international exposure.
“This holistic approach ensures not just short-term fixes but long-term growth and improved market assets,” he added.
Mr Quarcoopome said the AGI would continue to advocate for policies and programmes to create an open environment for SMEs, foster innovation and competitiveness.
Director Policy Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at Ghana Enterprises Agency, Philomena Dsane, commended AGI and all partners for seeing the initiative through with purpose and discipline.
She said the programme helped businesses strengthen management systems, improve production processes, and enhance access to regional and international markets.
“Behind each figure is a team that’s learned, invested, and adapted in a Ghanaian product that is now better prepared to compete,” she said.
She suggested leveraging the beneficiaries of the AfNEXT programmes as mentors within GEA coaching and mentorship initiative.
This will ensure that the progress achieved under the AfNEXT programmes was not only sustained but also scaled across various value chains, she said.
The CEO of AGI, Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, highlighted that the AfNEXT project exemplified the power of integrated support – combining financial assistance, through equipment grants, with capacity building and international exposure.
“This holistic approach ensures not just short-term fixes but long-term growth and improved market access.”