DBG disburses over GH¢2.5bn in 5 years to agriculture, manufacturing and women-led firms

The Development Bank Ghana (DBG) disbursed more than GH¢2.5 billion to businesses over a period of five years, with a significant portion going to women-led enterprises, agriculture, and manufacturing. Approximately 60% of the funding was directed towards women-led and women-owned businesses, while over 50% was allocated to agribusiness, agriculture, and manufacturing. Around 40% of the disbursements were focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises.

DBG's financing strategy is based on the need to transform Ghana's economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and high-value services identified as key focus areas. High-value services encompass education, health, transportation, and tourism, which offer significant growth potential but face market failures and binding constraints, necessitating deliberate interventions.

Agriculture, in particular, has been a major focus for DBG due to its potential in job creation and strengthening food security. The bank has targeted specific agricultural value chains, including maize, rice, cassava, sorghum, and poultry, as these areas hold promise for economic growth and overcoming economic pressures linked to food imports. As of now, DBG has extended its reach to almost 1,000 businesses, with a presence in every region of Ghana except one.