Collins Sefa GIZ Ghana, in collaboration with Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), has successfully graduated the second cohort of its Green Business Competitions incubation programme, a flagship under GIZ’s Support to the Private and Financial Sector in Ghana (PFS) initiative.
The programme is designed to accelerate green employment creation by supporting at least 50 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to collectively generate over 100 jobs. It also ensures that participating businesses adopt eco-friendly practices or scale existing green business models.
So far, 59 SMEs have been incubated. The first cohort alone created 104 jobs across waste management, energy efficiency, water management, climate-smart agriculture, and greening enterprises — strengthening sustainable and climate-adaptive business models.
Over the six-month incubation period, businesses accessed an online learning platform, in-person masterclasses, tailored advisory services, and up to €10,000 in financial grants to help them scale, comply with industry standards, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Speaking at the ceremony, Christian Jahn, Head of Programme (PFS), highlighted the importance of SMEs in climate action:
“Almost everywhere, more than 50% of employment is created through SMEs, making them essential players in climate action. What makes this day so special is that from hundreds of applicants, 30 businesses were not only selected for the second cohort, but also equipped with knowledge, coaching, and funding to lead inclusive green growth.”
Adding to this, Nabeel Adum-Atta, Director for Partnerships, Entrepreneurship & Investment at GCIC, stressed:
“MSMEs constitute 70% of Ghana’s GDP. On their own they may look small, but together they are of significant economic power. Their contribution to Ghana’s green economy and community empowerment cannot be underestimated.”
Beneficiaries also shared success stories. Olivia Kipo, founder of Kobaa-Ok, noted that the grant helped her business implement climate-resilient practices that inspired smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart methods on their farms.
The Green Business Competitions incubation programme continues to serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s green economy — building a pipeline of innovative enterprises that tackle climate change while creating sustainable jobs.
Both GIZ Ghana and GCIC reaffirmed their commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the resources, skills, and opportunities needed to drive sustainable impact across the country.
