The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, together with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), launched Ghana’s first-ever Inclusive Business and Inclusive Green Business (IB/IGB) Forum in Accra.

This landmark event, supported by German Cooperation under GIZ’s Private and Financial Sector Programme, represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible business practices in Ghana. The forum served as a convergence point for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering a green economy, building sustainable livelihoods, and uplifting low-income communities through inclusive business.

The IB/IGB Forum built upon findings from an extensive landscape study, which identified promising companies actively working toward inclusive and green business models. The study reviewed over 300 companies and identified 15 enterprises that met the criteria for inclusive and environmentally friendly business practices.

These companies collectively impact more than 1.8 million people from low-income communities, demonstrating that sustainable and inclusive businesses can both generate profit and improve livelihoods. The study emphasized that businesses addressing social and environmental issues through innovation and scalability are key to Ghana’s economic transformation.

The forum brought together over 200 stakeholders, including government agencies, impact investors, and business associations, fostering discussions to align on findings and collaboratively shape the future of inclusive business. These discussions centered on the development of a national strategy to support inclusive and green economy growth, aligning various stakeholders with a shared vision for a more equitable and sustainable economy.

Driving Impact through Business Coaching and Mentorship

A significant feature of the IB/IGB Forum was the introduction of the Impact-Driven Return Business Coaching and Mentoring (IDR-BCM) programme. This programme has already supported 35 companies in Ghana, providing them with technical guidance and practical tools to strengthen their inclusive business practices and increase their impact.

The first of three planned seminars under the IDR-BCM programme was launched during the forum, offering companies hands-on engagement with consultants and facilitators on adopting and scaling inclusive and green business models.

Through IDR-BCM, companies gain access to business insights and mentorship that are crucial for transforming their operations to align with inclusive and green objectives. The programme’s focus on measurable impacts not only supports business growth but also underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices that benefit communities and protect the environment.

Building Institutional Ownership and National Strategy

The forum underscored the need for institutional ownership to embed inclusive business and green economy principles into Ghana’s development strategy. By uniting stakeholders from both public and private sectors, GIZ, AGI, and GEA aim to ensure that inclusive and green economy growth remains a priority in Ghana’s national economic agenda.

Dr. Dirk Assmann, GIZ Ghana Country Director, spoke to the importance of this collaborative approach, noting, “This initiative is not just about identifying innovative business models but about creating a sustainable framework that empowers communities, enhances livelihoods, and protects the environment. The commitment we’re seeing from key partners and the enthusiasm of businesses to adopt these models is inspiring.”

The forum’s outcomes and the ongoing dialogue it has inspired will contribute to the formulation of a national strategy for advancing inclusive business. Through this strategy, Ghana can create the policies, incentives, and frameworks necessary to support companies in adopting business models that are both profitable and beneficial to society.

The Ghana IB/IGB Forum is more than a one-time event; it marks the beginning of a sustained effort to transform Ghana’s business landscape. By prioritizing social inclusion and environmental responsibility, the forum is laying the groundwork for a just transition towards a more inclusive, green, and sustainable economy. As part of this long-term vision, GIZ, AGI, and GEA will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to refine the institutional framework, set actionable goals, and drive the growth of inclusive businesses.

As the initiative progresses, GIZ and its partners are committed to building a robust support system for inclusive and green business strategies, ensuring long-term economic resilience and sustainability in Ghana. This focus on inclusive business practices aims to provide opportunities for businesses to thrive while supporting low-income communities and protecting the environment — a win-win scenario for economic development.