Ecobank Ghana PLC and Joy Business are set to host a Financial Dialogue on Tuesday, September 22, to explore the role of green finance in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in Ghana’s agriculture sector. The event, themed “Green Finance, Real Impact: Powering Inclusive Agri-Growth in Ghana,” will bring together agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, regulators, the media, and other stakeholders. The dialogue will take place at Ecobank’s head office in Accra at 8:00 a.m.
The Financial Dialogue aims to make the concept of green finance more practical and accessible to businesses and individuals. According to Regina Ofori, Head of Marketing and Brand at Ecobank Ghana, the focus will be on finding ways to mobilize capital to modernize agriculture and support businesses across the agricultural value chain. The event is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the financing needs of Ghanaian businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The dialogue is timely, coming a day after Ghana marked Founder’s Day, with renewed discussions around economic independence and the need for greater domestic production. Mrs. Ofori noted that the focus on agriculture connects with the development priorities of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who emphasized the importance of agriculture and food production in his development agenda. The event will explore how Nkrumah’s vision can be applied to the needs of modern agribusinesses.
Green finance should not be viewed as a concept reserved for large companies or specialized investors, according to Mrs. Ofori. She emphasized that farmers, agro-processors, entrepreneurs, and consumers all have a stake in building a sustainable agricultural value chain. The dialogue will examine some of the barriers businesses face in accessing green finance and discuss possible financing approaches for agriculture-focused SMEs.
The event will bring together participants from across the agricultural and financial ecosystem, including SMEs, agricultural entrepreneurs, regulators, the media, and consumers. The discussions are expected to focus on practical ways of expanding access to finance, supporting innovation, and strengthening agricultural value chains. Ghana launched its Green Finance Taxonomy in 2024 as part of efforts to guide sustainable finance towards activities that contribute to environmental and climate objectives.
The Ecobank-Joy Business Financial Dialogue forms part of a recurring platform for stakeholders to examine key economic and business issues affecting Ghana. This edition places agriculture and sustainable financing at the center of the discussion, with the organizers seeking to generate practical ideas for improving access to capital and supporting the growth of Ghanaian agribusinesses. The dialogue will also provide an opportunity for businesses, regulators, and other stakeholders to explore areas for collaboration in financing a more sustainable agricultural sector.
The outcome of the dialogue is expected to contribute to the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. By promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector, the event aims to support the development of Ghana’s economy and improve the livelihoods of farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. The event is a significant step towards achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Key points
- The event aims to make green finance more practical and accessible to businesses and individuals in Ghana's agricultural sector.
- The dialogue will examine barriers to accessing green finance and discuss financing approaches for agriculture-focused SMEs.
- The event seeks to generate practical ideas for improving access to capital and supporting the growth of Ghanaian agribusinesses.
