The European Union, together with GIZ, has hosted a Regional Network Conference as part of efforts to create a forum for knowledge-sharing and bridge the gap between supply and demand needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
It aims to generate employment and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The two-day annual conference was held as part of GIZ’s Private and Financial Sector Programme (PFS), with a focus on employment promotion and enhancing business skills.
The event was on the theme Sustainable Solutions for MSMEs Growth and Employment: The Transformational Potential of a Regional Union (Network) of Service Providers.
MSMEs make up a large portion of the country’s economy and account for over two-thirds of employment. However, some of them lack certain basic essentials such as proper human resources since most do not have technical HR persons on board, inadequate financing among other things.
For these reasons, GIZ’s support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) programme aims to improve MSMEs’ employment situation in various regions of the country through the annual network conference.
The conference particularly seeks to catalyse the enormous potential of MSMEs and thus contribute to achieving the set objectives.
The event engaged stakeholders from financial and insurance service providers, industry associations, government representatives, academic institutions, trade unions, and digital aid and tech industries.
Head-PFS programme, GIZ, Dr. Christian Jahn – giving a keynote address on the conference’s opening day in Kumasi, said the key to unlocking MSMEs’ full potential lies in collaboration; therefore, a regional association of service providers dedicated to supporting MSMEs is a sure way to go.
“Networks have proven to be catalysts for modern development, and provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. “The interactive conference will include expert-led discussions, breakout sessions, panel discussions and a marketplace for businesses. This hybrid event also welcomes remote participation from international experts, enhancing its global relevance.”
The conference’s second day saw participants – job seekers, service providers and MSMEs – resolve to form a regional union (network) of MSME and employment promotion service providers in the Ashanti Region.
The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) – through a representative of the Regional Minister, Beatrice Kwarteng Osei-Asare – pledged the RCC’s support for the proposed union and recommended a private sector-led approach.
