By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), has officially launched the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Innovation and Inclusion Programme – Digitalise for Jobs (D4J) Project.
According to the management of GEA, the D4J Project initiative aimed at empowering Persons living with Disabilities (PWDs) through digitalisation.
Speaking at the launch held at the Accra Digital Centre, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei, emphasised the project’s transformative potential in fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment within Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“Today marks not just the commencement of a project but the dawn of a new era of inclusivity and empowerment.
The 2021 Population & Housing Census highlights that approximately 8% of our population faces barriers to economic opportunities.
This initiative seeks to remove those barriers and unlock the immense potential of PWD entrepreneurs,” Ms. Ansei stated.
The D4J Project, developed in partnership with GIZ under the German Cooperation’s ‘Invest for Jobs’ initiative, builds upon the success of the Women SME Innovation Programme.
It provides tailored digital literacy training, access to essential business tools, digital visibility support, and one-on-one coaching to help PWD-led enterprises compete effectively in the modern economy.
Highlighting the project’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms. Ansei noted its contributions to SDG goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG goal 5 (Gender Equality).
Ms. Ansei expressed gratitude to GIZ and the German Cooperation’s ‘Invest for Jobs’ team, as well as the GEA staff and the resilient PWD entrepreneurs, affirming GEA’s commitment to ensuring that PWDs are not left on the margins of Ghana’s economic development but are integral to its success.
The D4J Project initiative aims to empower 50 Ghanaian businesses led by PWDs, helping them embrace digitalisation and create 100 new jobs by September 2025. It also aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of inclusive economic growth and digital transformation.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Hon. Ministers from the Ministry of Trade, Gender, and Greater Accra; representatives from PWD associations; and business leaders.
