In their quest to support women entrepreneurs with brand building, business promotion and access to new markets, the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), formerly NBSSI, and Mastercard Foundation have partnered with Lokko House Limited to create a retail shop and an online market place.
In a statement, GEA said the platform will enable women-owned and led enterprises to promote their products and connect with customers globally. Lokko House Limited, a Ghanaian enterprise that promotes urban art, fashion, and creative culture, will lead the initiative which falls under GEA and the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works in Ghana MSME Business Acceleration (MBA) program. The retail and online shop with focus on “Made in Ghana Concept Shop” will host and market products from targeted Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSMEs.
The GEA noted that MSMEs fall within specific categories, such as Ghanaian-owned or led businesses, Women-owned or led businesses and Businesses with a minimum of five employees; both permanent and casual, Startups owned by women and Unique product offerings. The statement urged entrepreneurs who qualify to visit the Agency’s website to apply.
Chief Executive of the GEA, Mrs. Kosi Yankey Ayeh said there is an increasing need to develop initiatives that allow women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and access new markets. The initiative she indicated will also help open new market opportunities and increase revenues for MSMEs that are owned and led by women.
Regional Director for West, Central and Northern Africa of the Mastercard Foundation, Nathalie Akon Gabala, said in addition to opening access to both domestic and international markets, qualified business owners will benefit from capacity building in branding and digital marketing to increase their revenue earnings whiles unlocking sustainable job opportunities for the Ghanaian youth.
She said with the right support, digitization, and access to new markets, women-owned and led MSMEs have the potential to lead the economic recovery effort in Ghana and create better futures for their families and communities.
