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

The Development Bank Ghana (DBG) has disbursed over GH¢2.5 billion to businesses over a five-year period, with a significant portion directed towards women-led enterprises, agriculture, and manufacturing. Chief Executive Officer Prof Randolph Nsor-Ambala revealed that more than 60% of the bank's disbursements have been allocated to women-led and women-owned businesses, while over 50% has focused on agribusiness, agriculture, and manufacturing.

A notable aspect of these disbursements is the 40% directed towards micro, small, and medium enterprises. The bank's financing strategy is grounded in identifying critical sectors for Ghana's economic transformation, namely agriculture, manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), and high-value services such as education, health, transportation, and tourism.

DBG prioritizes agricultural investment due to its potential for job creation and enhanced food security. The bank has concentrated on specific agricultural value chains, including maize, rice, cassava, sorghum, and poultry, understanding that the agricultural sector comprises numerous value chains. DBG has already extended support to nearly 1,000 businesses, with a presence in all regions of Ghana, except one.

The bank's development partners have expressed satisfaction with its performance over the past five years, with the Minister for Finance acknowledging the bank's progress and expressing high expectations.