Ghana EXIM Bank boosts SMEs to compete on global stage
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Sylvester Mensah, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to meet international export standards and thrive in global markets.
Speaking at the Ghana Horticulture Expo held at the Accra International Conference Centre yesterday, June 11, 2025, Mr. Mensah emphasized that the long-term competitiveness of Ghana’s export sector depends heavily on the capacity of local businesses to align with global best practices.
According to him, Ghana EXIM Bank is scaling up its support to SMEs through targeted funding, capacity-building programs, and technical assistance aimed at improving product quality, packaging, certification, and market readiness.
“Our mission is to build an export-ready SME sector that can compete effectively on the international stage. To do this, we are investing in the systems, knowledge, and infrastructure that our SMEs need to meet international standards, particularly in critical sectors like horticulture, agribusiness, and light manufacturing,” Mr. Mensah said.
The EXIM Bank Ghana CEO noted that while Ghana has made progress in expanding its export base, there is still a significant gap when it comes to compliance with the technical requirements of international buyers, particularly in European and North American markets.
“Access to finance alone is not enough. What SMEs need is a holistic support system that combines finance with training, compliance support, and reliable market information. That’s the gap we are working to bridge,” he explained.
Mr. Mensah also highlighted Ghana EXIM Bank’s strategic focus on sectors with high growth and export potential, including horticulture, which he described as a key pillar in the country’s agricultural transformation agenda. He said the bank is working with both government agencies and private sector partners to identify export-ready firms and provide them with the tools to succeed.
The Ghana Horticulture Expo, which brought together farmers, exporters, agribusiness firms, policymakers, and development partners, served as a platform to showcase innovation in the horticulture value chain and explore strategies to enhance Ghana’s global market share in fruits, vegetables, and floriculture.
Mr. Mensah reaffirmed Ghana EXIM Bank’s dedication to ensuring that Ghanaian products are not only competitive but also sustainable, traceable, and compliant with the expectations of discerning global consumers.
“Our SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy. When we empower them to export, we are not only creating jobs and earning foreign exchange—we are building a resilient, inclusive economy for the future,” he emphasized.
