DBG bets big on maize, rice, cassava and poultry to drive Ghana’s food security

The Development Bank Ghana (DBG) is heavily investing in agricultural value chains to bolster food security and propel Ghana's economic development. This strategic focus includes maize, rice, cassava, sorghum, and poultry, which have accounted for a significant share in the bank's agricultural investments. DBG CEO Prof Randolph Nsor-Ambala explained that these sectors are chosen for their potential to create jobs, address market failures, and provide financing in areas that private capital cannot cover.

He emphasized that the bank's interventions aim to transform entire value chains, not just individual businesses, to bring about wider economic benefits. Job creation, particularly decent jobs that promote social mobility and economic empowerment, is a key consideration. Food security, which reduces economic pressures such as inflation and exchange rate issues due to high import levels, is also a major factor.

DBG has specifically targeted financing towards maize, rice, cassava, sorghum, and poultry, which align with their analytics showing these sectors can drive economic transformation. Since its inception, DBG has disbursed over ¢2.5 billion, with more than half going into agribusiness, agriculture, and manufacturing. Over 60% of this funding has supported women-led and women-owned businesses, and 40% has been directed towards micro, small, and medium enterprises. Currently, DBG operates in every region of Ghana except one.