ShEquity Partners has chosen 10 Ghanaian gender-smart climate-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for its Gender-Smart Climate Technical Assistance Facility. This programme aims to help these businesses access climate finance and global carbon markets.
The selected firms will get specialized training. This training focuses on accessing carbon markets and preparing for investments. An initial 30 businesses participated in this support programme. These businesses learned about carbon market access. They also learned how to get ready for investors.
This initiative is part of Ghana’s growing efforts to use climate finance. Ghana is developing its carbon market ecosystem. This is related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This international deal allows countries to trade carbon credits. ShEquity’s work helps women-led and gender-smart businesses participate. These businesses are crucial for Ghana's green economy. For example, 15 companies first made it to the shortlist. They received coaching on carbon opportunity maps.
Pauline Koelbl, Founder & CEO of ShEquity, stated that women-led SMEs are key to Africa's climate future. She emphasized strengthening their readiness for investment and carbon markets. She also mentioned that 10 finalists show Ghanaian innovation and potential. Mrs. Koelbl expressed gratitude to partners like AWE and Greentec Capital Africa Foundation. Christina Pfandl, AWE advisor, added that supporting these SMEs is vital. She highlighted leveraging Ghana’s Carbon Market Framework for new revenue streams. This partnership supports cooperation between Germany and Ghana.
The next phase involves one-on-one coaching. This is for investors and communications. Carbon certification experts will also guide the SMEs. They will help create a Preliminary Project Design Document (pre-PDD). This document is a key step for entering carbon markets. It outlines project goals and methods. Two top businesses will win US$25,000 each. This grant will fund full Project Design Documents (PDDs).
The 10 finalist SMEs are Dyson Energy, Eco-nexus, Enterprise Coast Ghana, Gateway Feeds, GreenEarth Agro, Legendary Foods, Mayiya Investments, Royal Baobab Farms, Sustainable Energy Technologies Limited, and YomYom. They work in sectors like circular economy and renewable energy. These enterprises are driving sustainable solutions. They contribute to Ghana’s transition to a greener economy. ShEquity aims to bridge the gap to capital for these businesses.