The Government of Ghana has announced a fresh GH¢401 million capital injection into the Women’s Development Bank to expand access to affordable finance for women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This new funding comes in addition to the GH¢51.3 million seed fund allocated to the Bank in 2025.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to mobilize private finance, promote inclusive growth, and empower women entrepreneurs as key drivers of 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,” he stated.
The funding will enable the Bank, once fully operational, to expand its lending portfolio across all 16 regions, promoting financial inclusion for women. It will offer concessional loans, financial literacy programs, and business development services to help women entrepreneurs scale their operations and integrate into formal markets.
Dr. Forson highlighted that access to affordable credit remains a major challenge for women-led businesses, which account for more than 44 percent of Ghana’s MSMEs. The new capital injection is designed to close this financing gap by leveraging private investment and development finance partnerships.
The support will complement other government initiatives, including the 24-Hour Economy Programme, Big Push Infrastructure Plan, and Accelerated Export Development Initiative, all aimed at creating sustainable jobs and expanding opportunities for women- and youth-led businesses.
The Women’s Development Bank is expected to use part of the funds to de-risk women-focused lending, develop credit guarantee schemes, and strengthen partnerships with rural and community banks to reach underserved communities nationwide.
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