As Development Bank Ghana (DBG) celebrates its fifth anniversary, the institution is charting an ambitious path aimed at deepening its impact on Ghana’s economy, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating sustainable jobs across the country.
The bank has announced plans to scale up activities in key strategic areas that have already demonstrated significant results in transforming businesses and improving livelihoods. Central to this renewed vision is expanded support for women-led enterprises, young entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized businesses that have the potential to drive economic growth and industrial transformation.
The announcement comes as DBG prepares for its fifth anniversary celebrations, marking a milestone that reflects the institution’s growing influence in Ghana’s financial and development landscape.
Women Entrepreneurs at the Heart of Growth
One of the most striking revelations from DBG’s five-year journey is the success of its investments in women-owned and women-led businesses. According to the bank, lending to female entrepreneurs has not only generated measurable economic impact but has also proven to be a sound business strategy.
The Chief Executive Officer of DBG, Professor Randolph Nsor-Ambala, highlighted the transformative effect of providing women with access to capital.
“We have been able to confirm within our model that lending to women-owned and women-led businesses is actually good business. Beyond the fact that it delivers on all the matrixes around impact, it is also good business, because it has allowed most of these women who usually would have belonged to the vulnerable set for various reason to be able to dream and dream big.”
Professor Randolph Nsor-Ambala
The bank’s experience has shown that when women entrepreneurs receive adequate funding, they create jobs, expand their operations, and contribute significantly to local economic development.
From Thousands to Millions
DBG is now encouraging business owners to think beyond traditional financing levels and pursue larger, transformational projects.
According to Prof. Nsor-Ambala, the institution wants entrepreneurs to shift their focus from seeking small-scale loans to pursuing multimillion-dollar opportunities capable of driving industrial growth and international competitiveness.
“This time around, the dream is not about GH₵5,000 or a GH₵10,000 loan facility. The dream is about a US$5 million or a US$10 million loan facility. These are well thought out projects that deliver on the initial aspirations that we have said.”
Professor Randolph Nsor-Ambala
This bold approach signals a major shift in Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, where businesses are increasingly being encouraged to pursue ambitious expansion plans and compete beyond national borders.
Inspiring a New Generation of Global Champions
Another major focus area for DBG is supporting young entrepreneurs who aspire to build globally competitive businesses.
The bank plans to launch an extensive campaign aimed at encouraging young business owners to embrace innovation, think bigger, and pursue opportunities in international markets.
Prof. Nsor-Ambala stressed that DBG is committed to walking alongside entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey.
“We want to encourage young people that dreaming is allowed. We will allow them to dream and achieve their dreams. We will walk with them throughout the entire process,” he stated.
The initiative is expected to inspire a new generation of Ghanaian entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, and positioning Ghana as a hub for innovation and enterprise in Africa.
The Power of Technical Support
While financing remains at the core of DBG’s operations, the bank is increasingly focusing on providing technical assistance to businesses and financial institutions.
Research conducted by the bank revealed that access to technical support remains one of the most pressing needs of businesses. As a result, DBG has expanded its technical assistance programme to address critical operational challenges faced by enterprises.
The programme includes support in business structuring, environmental, social and governance standards, monitoring systems, and capacity building for both participating banks and end borrowers.
“Our entire technical assistance programme is widespread. It covers technical capacity for both the banks and then the end borrowers. It covers advice on structuring, ESG, advice on monitoring, and host of things which the banks so far have acknowledged is very key.”
Professor Randolph Nsor-Ambala
This holistic approach is helping businesses strengthen their foundations and improve their ability to compete in increasingly demanding markets.
A Defining Moment for Ghana’s Economic Future
As DBG marks five years of operations, the institution is positioning itself for an even greater role in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
With increased lending to women-led businesses, expanded support for young entrepreneurs, and a strengthened technical assistance framework, the bank is setting the stage for a new era of enterprise development.
The next chapter for DBG is not just about financing businesses. It is about unlocking dreams, creating opportunities, and building globally competitive Ghanaian enterprises capable of transforming communities and driving sustainable national growth.
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