Women entrepreneurs are focused on expanding their businesses significantly. This goal is central to the 2026 Women in Business Dialogue Series opening today in Kumasi. The event aims to turn small and informal businesses into larger, structured companies.
The forum's theme is 'From Market-to-Market Leader: Empowering Women SMEs and Young Women in Agribusiness for Sustainable Growth'. It highlights women's vital role in Ghana's food economy. Market traders, small farmers, food processors, and artisans are key participants. The dialogue confronts challenges that keep many businesses small and struggling to survive.
The Business and Financial Times (B&FT) organized this dialogue. Policymakers now see women-led small and medium businesses (MSMEs) as important. They strengthen food security, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth. However, problems with getting money, formalizing businesses, and reaching markets still limit expansion. The event brings together entrepreneurs, government officials, development partners, and banks. They will find practical ways for businesses to grow. Discussions will cover getting loans, managing money, setting prices, adding value to products, using digital tools, and forming business groups.
A major goal is helping women's businesses move from scattered, informal setups. They should become competitive companies. These companies can attract investment. They can also join formal supply chains. Dr. Godwin Aquaye, CEO of B&FT, stated before the event, “For many women, especially young agripreneurs, the challenge is not just starting a business but scaling it sustainably.” He added, “This dialogue is about equipping them with the tools and networks needed to move beyond subsistence and into profitability.”
Women are a strong force in local markets and food production. Yet, they often face disadvantages. These include difficulty providing collateral for loans. They also have weak access to support services. Many are not included in formal supply chains. Young women in agriculture are especially affected. They work on small farms. They use informal processing methods. This limits their output and earnings.
The dialogue seeks to fix these issues. It will promote greater financial inclusion. It will encourage adopting digital tools. It will support business formalization. These steps are crucial for accessing credit and larger markets. Participants will also discuss how cooperating in groups can improve their bargaining power. It can reduce costs. It can help small producers meet the quantity and quality needs of big buyers.
Climate change resilience will be a key topic. Attendees will explore how climate-smart farming helps women's businesses adapt. This will allow them to maintain productivity despite changing weather. Helping women scale up agribusinesses can bring big economic benefits. This is because agriculture connects to manufacturing, trade, and rural jobs. The dialogue will stress the need for a business environment that better serves women and young people. Reforms should improve access to money. Registration processes should be simpler. Targeted support programs should expand.
This dialogue creates a platform between entrepreneurs and decision-makers. The hope is that it sparks lasting partnerships. It will help participants apply practical solutions in their businesses. The initiative aims to make women leaders of competitive companies. These companies can drive Ghana's economic progress.
The event will feature presentations. There will be panel sessions. These will include experienced women professionals and organizations. The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and financial institutions will participate. The dialogue will unite market women and small traders from the informal sector. Women-led small and medium businesses, women farmers, food processors, and traders will attend. Young women agripreneurs and startups in agriculture will also be there. Hairdressers, seamstresses, food vendors, shop owners, and women managers will join.