The Government of Ghana has committed GH¢401 million to the Women’s Development Bank in the 2026 Budget, marking a major step toward expanding access to affordable financing for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The allocation, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, represents a significant scale-up from the GH¢51.3 million seed capital provided in 2025.
Dr. Forson said the fresh investment forms part of government’s strategy to mobilise private capital, boost inclusive economic growth and empower women entrepreneurs, who he described as central to job creation and innovation.
“Mr. Speaker, to crowd in finance for women-owned MSMEs, we are providing an additional GH¢401 million to the Women’s Development Bank,” Dr. Forson told Parliament.
Once fully operational, the Bank is expected to expand its services across all 16 regions, offering concessional loans, financial literacy training, and business development support to help women grow and formalise their enterprises.
Access to affordable credit, the Minister noted, remains a major barrier for women entrepreneurs, who account for over 44 percent of Ghana’s MSME sector. The capital injection is therefore intended to close this financing gap while leveraging additional support from private investors and development finance institutions.
Government expects the Bank to use part of the funds to de-risk lending to women-owned businesses, develop credit guarantee schemes, and strengthen partnerships with rural and community banks to reach underserved areas.
The initiative will also complement broader economic programmes, including the 24-Hour Economy, the Big Push Infrastructure Plan, and the Accelerated Export Development Initiative, all of which aim to expand employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
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