By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The German Cooperation, in collaboration with the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Robert Bosch Ghana, and Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), has introduced a new mobile application to support artisans in the country’s construction sector.
The Professionalization of Artisans (ProfArts) Mobile App, pre-launched in Accra, is designed to connect trained and licensed artisans directly with customers, making it easier for them to find jobs.
The app, available on both Android and iOS, allows users to search for artisans by location and service type. It includes features such as secure profiles, chat options, a booking system, online payments, and a rating system to ensure reliability and transparency.
So far, 1,023 artisans have been onboarded, with more expected to join soon. The project has already provided training for 2,228 artisans, with 730 receiving certification and 1,322 obtaining licenses through GhIE.
Speaking at the event, Mr. John Duti, Team Leader of Invest for Jobs, emphasised the importance of using technology to enhance employment opportunities and improve the construction sector.
The project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), as part of the “Invest for Jobs” initiative.
The new app is expected to help artisans secure fair work opportunities and improve their livelihoods through digital connections with potential clients.
About GIZ
GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security. It works with businesses, civil society actors, and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is its main commissioning party. Currently, GIZ promotes sustainable development in the country via about 50 programmes and projects. Its activities currently cover three priority areas: Energy and Climate, with a concentration on renewable energy and energy efficiency; training and sustainable growth for decent jobs, and peaceful and inclusive societies, which looks at good governance.
About Invest for Jobs
Under the Invest for Jobs brand, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has put together a package of measures to support German, European and African companies in investment activities that have a high impact on employment in Africa. The Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” – the official title – offers comprehensive advice, contacts and financial support to overcome investment barriers. The development objective is to team up with companies to create good jobs and improve working conditions and social protection in the eight African partner countries. The Special Initiative is implemented by GIZ, among others.
