Accra, Thursday, February 27, 2025. 60 Fruit Sector companies and 15 financial institutions gathered in Accra to deliberate on sustainable financing solutions for Ghana’s fruit sector. The high-level meeting held at Erata Hotel in Accra, under the Ghana Dried Fruit Project, with funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together key sector players to address the financial challenges hampering the growth of the sector.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to explore innovative investment mechanisms as well as financial accessibility for dried fruit producers, processors and exporters. Discussions highlighted the pressing need for sector-specific financial products as well as strategic partnerships to drive long-term development.
Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Partner of Knox Consulting Limited, Mrs. Sheila Assibey-Yeboah, emphasized the importance of tailored financial solutions in unlocking the full potential of the sector. According to her, “Access to sustainable financing remains a crucial challenge for agribusinesses in Ghana and the dried fruit sector is no exception. By fostering stronger collaboration between financial institutions and industry players, we can develop tailor-made financial products suitable for promoting growth and resilience in the sector”.
The Managing Director of GKV Investment Limited and the National Best Agro-Processor at the 36th National Farmers’ Day, Mr. Kojo Nunoo was in attendance. He reiterated the urgent need for policy reforms and investment-friendly initiatives to support the sector. He explained the profitable nature of the sector and called for support from all stakeholders, including the Government, for a resilient transformation in financing.
In a presentation, the Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), Mr. Samuel Yeboah showcased GIRSAL’s framework for supporting Agribusinesses through participating financial institutions. He invited the fruit sector to take advantage of this opportunity to boost their business activities. He reaffirmed the commitment to supporting the fruit sector to make it buoyant and attractive to youth and women.
The meeting offered an exceptional experience, hope for improved financial access, and a collaborative effort to drive the fruit sector for employment opportunities for youth and women in Ghana.