Development Bank Ghana (DBG) committed GHS 20 million to Advans Ghana to expand financing for women entrepreneurs. This funding specifically targets smaller businesses, providing working capital and investment loans. The move represents a significant shift in DBG’s strategy for women-focused interventions.
The GHS 20 million is the first part of a pilot facility under Advans Ghana’s new Mmaa Mpuntuo programme. Launched on September 30, 2026, Mmaa Mpuntuo means “women’s progress” in Twi. This funding comes from a larger women-focused fund of more than GHS 300 million established by DBG in August. The partnership aims to reach women-owned businesses that were previously too small for DBG’s direct lending.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader economic goal of fostering inclusive growth and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Women-led businesses are crucial for job creation and economic diversification. Addressing their financing challenges can unlock significant economic potential. Previous data shows a clear financing gap, with DBG’s average loan to women-led businesses at GHS 2.3 million, while Advans’ average loan was below GHS 46,000.
Michael Mensah-Baah, DBG Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Investment, stated the partnership helps overcome major obstacles. He identified collateral requirements, high fees, and high interest rates as key barriers for women entrepreneurs. The new arrangement with Advans will offer more flexible collateral, reduced interest rates, and lower processing fees.
This program will have several implications for Ghana’s financial landscape and women’s economic empowerment. It could create a new model for development finance to reach micro and small enterprises. Decision-makers will monitor the pilot’s success in job creation and income growth. The initial GHS 20 million facility could expand if the pilot proves effective, potentially leading to a wider rollout.
Advans Ghana already serves a large number of women, who make up about 60 percent of its client base. These women are typically among the lender’s smallest borrowers. In 2025, Advans disbursed over GHS 900 million to more than 15,000 clients. The Mmaa Mpuntuo facility builds on this existing base, addressing specific financial constraints. Advans Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Barbara Odei, confirmed the product offers faster processing and more flexible collateral. Each borrower will also receive mentorship and automatic enrollment in EduSave, a savings account for children’s education.
The partnership follows two years of collaboration between DBG and Advans under Advans’ gender program. Lessons from this earlier phase informed the design of the new lending product. CapitalPlus Exchange (CapPlus) supported the design through customer research, funded by the Mastercard Foundation. CapPlus also provides coaching for staff at participating branches. Advans Managing Director, Guillaume Valence, noted that feedback from borrowers and loan officers will refine the product. This refinement will occur before any wider rollout, ensuring the program meets its objectives effectively. DBG officials will visit beneficiary businesses to assess the financing’s impact on job creation and incomes. This rigorous evaluation will determine if Advans is eligible for additional funding tranches.