Two organisations introduce 4.5 million to agribusiness incubation in Ghana

Two organisations say they have introduced 4.5 million people in Ghana to agribusiness incubation.

According to a press release copied to ghanabusinessnews.com, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN) and the Association of Small Scale Industries in Ghana (ASSI), which has 4.5 million members.

“The incubation model which involves up scaling ideas and technologies into sustainable enterprises will enable the value chain players to make a bigger impact on the economy,” Dr Alex Ariho, Chief Executive Officer of AAIN was cited as saying in the release.

“When innovations and ideas are implemented in isolation, Africa cannot realise the collective efforts of her people. Incubation gives even the smallest entrepreneurs a platform to receive mentorship, access to finance and hands-on training. We believe ASSI members are prospective beneficiaries of the same,” he added.

Mr Saeed Moomen was also cited as saying “we have a committed population in ASSI who will now be exposed to technology commercialisation that incubation offers. I believe now that we can see real economic output from these technologies which would have otherwise remained with minimal impact. This is an additional landmark for the millions of hardworking entrepreneurs many of whom called for agribusiness incubation to better their investments.”

The release citing the Ministry of Trade figures, said Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises provide about 85 per cent of manufacturing employment in Ghana.

The SMEs are also believed to contribute about 70 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounting for about 92 per cent of businesses in Ghana.

By Pamela Ofori-Boateng