By Elizabeth PUNSU, Antoakrom
Amansie Rural Bank PLC in partnership with GIZ, a German Development Agency has empowered Micro Small Medium Enterprises with its flagship “Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan product.
This product is to provide flexible and affordable financing for MSMEs and to address key financial challenges, unlock growth potential and empower them to scale up their business.
The Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan Product is a tailored financial solution created to meet the specific needs of MSMEs including lower interest rates, flexible repayment options suited to business cash flows, and alternative collateral choices to enhance accessibility.
Beyond financing, beneficiaries would also receive capacity building— training, mentorship, and strategic market linkages to help their businesses thrive.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amansie Rural Bank PLC, Frederick Kwakye Kyei, in his opening address at the launch of the Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan, expressed the bank’s commitment to help scale up the businesses of their clients.
“At Amansie, we recognize that MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, driving job creation, innovation, and community development. Yet, access to finance remains a major challenge for many small businesses. That is why we are proud to introduce this transformative product—designed to bridge the financing gap, empower entrepreneurs, and fuel sustainable business growth,” Mr. Kyei noted.
In highlighting the details and features of the product Head of Credit, Amansie Rural Bank, Emmanuel Owusu, mentioned that the product is available to cater for needs such as funds to buy inventory, expand operations, acquire equipment, clear goods, or pay rent.
He indicated that the product is available for Micro Business Loans from GH¢1,000 to GH¢5000 with no security adding that the loan has flexible repayment terms.
“We understand that cash flow varies from business to business. That’s why we offer repayment terms that work for you: Micro Business Loans: Up to 12 months for working capital and 24 months for asset purchases. SME Business Loans: Up to 24 months for working capital and 60 months for asset purchases. Repay at your convenience with biweekly or monthly installments,” Mr. Owusu revealed.
Also the product has affordable Interest rate of 28 percent unlike traditional business loans with high-interest rates, Mr. Owusu stressed that this is to support MSME’s growth, and not to burden the clients with debt as well as offering loans without collateral up to GH¢5000.00.
According to him loans up to 5000 will be collateral free with flexible collateral options including guarantors for larger loans.
According to him the application process for this product has been made fast and hustle free as documentation has been simplified with fast approval to the benefit of clients and in addition offer business support and mentorship for the clients.
” We don’t just lend money—we help build businesses. With our loan, you also gain access to Business training & mentorship to strengthen your management skills. Networking opportunities through MSME sector associations”, he added.
Customers of the bank who are between the ages of 18 to 70 and running thejr own businesses for at least three months are encouraged to take advantage of this product.
GIZ PFS programme
This business changing product came about as a result of GIZs PFS programme where nine banking sector institutions of which Amansie Rural Bank is included, developed the Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan Products with technical support assistance from GOPA APC in consortium with CDC Consult under the “Capacity Building for Banking and Microfinance institutions on MSME Product Development.
This initiative is designed to provide demand-driven financial services tailored to the needs of MSMEs with overarching goal of fostering business growth and creating employment opportunities for the many job seekers especially women and the youth.
In addition to financial support, businesses that secure the Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan will gain access to entrepreneurial skills training and financial literacy programmes, equipping them with the knowledge and tools for sustainable success.
The Component Manager, GIZ PFS Programme, Cynthia Odonkor, mentioned that the two variants of financial products reaffirmed their commitment to supporting MSMEs.
She further emphasized that they would continue to create an enabling environment that fosters action, growth and sustainability.
She then expressed confidence that these products would make a significant impact, helping MSMEs to thrive and contribute to the country’s development.
GOPA AFC Consultant, Binyam Ayele, addressing participants at the launch explained that their goal was to develope a scalable product that directly addresses MSME challenges.
Therefore, the product was instituted based on the findings from their market research to identify the financial needs of MSMEs and developed this to meet their specific needs.
The Chief Operating Officer, Frank Kankam, advises the clients and the prospecting ones to be mindful of their businesses and attach a lot more seriousness’ so that they would be able to pay back the facility to qualify them to apply for more loans.
