Development Bank Ghana and Ishmael Yamson & Associates Lead Strategic Initiatives to Boost SME Growth and Youth Empowerment

The Ghanaian business landscape is witnessing a significant surge in strategic support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and youth development, spearheaded by Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and Ishmael Yamson & Associates. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, DBG has announced an ambitious scaling up of its lending operations, specifically targeting women-led businesses and young entrepreneurs. CEO Professor Randolph Nsor-Ambala highlighted that financing these sectors is vital for job creation and improving national living standards. The bank aims to provide substantial loan facilities, including amounts up to US$5 million, alongside extensive technical assistance to ensure local businesses meet international market standards.

Parallel to these efforts, the 12th Business Roundtable (BRT 2026), organized by Ishmael Yamson & Associates, saw the launch of a new Foundation dedicated to nurturing young African talent. Attended by over 400 participants, including government officials and industry leaders, the forum focused on unlocking Africa’s potential through digital infrastructure, trade integration, and industrialization. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgent need for Africa to transition from a consumer-based economy to a competitive production force. The Foundation aims to equip the next generation with the leadership skills necessary to navigate future economic challenges and maintain global relevance.

In a related effort to stimulate local economic development, the Korle-Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) is set to host the Korle-Klottey Business and Investment Forum. This event aims to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors, showcasing investment potentials and fostering strategic partnerships among approximately 150 corporate entities. Meanwhile, the industrial sector received a morale boost as the Paramount Chief of Buipe, Abdulai Jinapor II, honored Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), for his leadership. The recognition underscores GOLDBOD’s role in driving agricultural productivity and gold reserve accumulation, particularly within the Savannah Region, as part of a broader national transformation agenda.

These collective initiatives represent a unified push toward a more resilient and self-sufficient Ghanaian economy. By focusing on technical assistance, youth leadership, and regional industrialization, these organizations are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. The emphasis on moving from passive consumption to active production, as highlighted during the BRT 2026, remains a central theme for Ghana's future economic strategy as institutions collaborate to empower vulnerable groups and scale up local businesses.