Ghanaian Exporters, Guzakuza team up to grow 300 women-led export SMEs
The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) and Guzakuza have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch WISE Exports 2.0, a transformative four-year program aimed at scaling up 300 women-led non-traditional export SMEs across Ghana.
Formally known as Women in SME Exports, the initiative targets USD15 million in cumulative export sales and the creation of over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs by 2029.
It will focus on high-potential value chains including cassava, moringa, cocoa, dried fruits, shea, baobab, coconut, and fashion accessories.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Emmanuel Ansah-Amprofi, Youth and Gender Coordinator at FAGE, described the agreement as a milestone in Ghana’s export journey.
“This MoU is a signal to Ghana, Africa, and the world that women-led exports are a strategic priority. WISE Exports 2.0 is not just a program; it is a transformational movement to build inclusive wealth, competitive SMEs, and sustainable trade opportunities,” he said.
FAGE Chief Executive Officer Abdul-Karim Dubiure emphasized the organization’s commitment to gender-inclusive trade.
“FAGE and its partners are passionately committed to placing women at the forefront of Ghana’s export drive. This marks a bold turning point for women-led initiatives that will transform lives and elevate livelihoods across the nation,” he stated.
Triple Partnership for Impact
The program brings together three key partners:
FAGE provides policy leadership, trade missions, and export compliance expertise
Guzakuza is a pan-African women-led organization known for empowering agribusinesses through training, mentorship, and access to finance
BuyAfricaMade (BAM) offers a digital platform to connect SMEs with global markets, supported by e-commerce solutions and logistics facilitation
Tackling Systemic Challenges
WISE Exports 2.0 is designed to address three major barriers facing women entrepreneurs in Ghana: limited export readiness, inadequate access to trade finance, and exclusion from global market systems.
The integrated approach will include:
Intensive capacity-building and export certification training
Digital onboarding and international buyer engagement
Gender-focused trade finance mechanisms to improve capital access
Organizers say this comprehensive strategy will not only increase the competitiveness of women-led SMEs but also position them to meet global standards, diversify Ghana’s export base, and strengthen the country’s presence in non-traditional export markets.
Aligned with Global Development Goals
The initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By integrating gender equality into trade policy, the program seeks to unlock untapped economic potential and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Nana Adjoa Sefa, Founder of Guzakuza, stressed the urgency of scaling women-led businesses for global markets.
“Women entrepreneurs are powering Africa’s growth quietly. It’s time they get the systems and scale to go global. We’re proud to partner with FAGE on this bold initiative,” she said.
Funding and Strategic Collaboration
WISE Exports 2.0 is seeking USD3 million in funding over the next four years for its implementation. The program is calling on strategic investors, development agencies, trade finance institutions, and technical collaborators to support its mission.
With a projected USD15 million in export revenue and over 1,500 jobs by 2029, the partners believe the program will deliver measurable socio-economic benefits, particularly for women and rural communities, while boosting Ghana’s position in the international non-traditional export sector.
