The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) is intensifying efforts to connect Ghanaian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to international markets, as the country seeks to expand non-traditional exports, strengthen local manufacturing and increase the commercial value of Made-in-Ghana products.
As part of this initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei, led a delegation from the United States Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) on a visit to Yenze Ghana Mall to showcase locally manufactured products and explore potential export opportunities in the United States Virgin Islands.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the visiting delegation to examine the range and quality of Ghanaian products and assess their potential for international distribution.
It also formed part of broader efforts to establish business relationships that could connect local producers to prospective overseas buyers and new commercial networks.
“For GEA, supporting MSMEs goes beyond helping businesses improve production. It also involves creating market linkages, building strategic business relationships and opening up opportunities for local enterprises to reach new customers beyond Ghana.”
C.E.O of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei
Export Ambitions Drive MSME Engagement
The visit comes against a backdrop of growing importance attached to value-added exports in Ghana’s economic development strategy.
According to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the country’s non-traditional export earnings reached approximately US$5.01 billion in 2025, up from US$3.83 billion in 2024, representing growth of 30.7 per cent.
Processed and semi-processed products contributed significantly to this performance, demonstrating the potential of manufacturing and value addition to generate export revenue beyond traditional commodities.
The figures highlight the commercial opportunities available to Ghanaian businesses that can develop competitive products, meet international standards and establish reliable distribution channels.
For MSMEs, however, entering foreign markets requires more than producing goods. Businesses must understand consumer preferences, pricing structures, packaging requirements, product certification, logistics and the regulatory conditions governing imports in destination markets.
The GEA’s engagement with USVIEDA could help create a foundation for discussions around these requirements and identify areas where Ghanaian producers may be positioned to supply international customers.
“The engagement provided a platform to showcase the range and quality of Ghanaian products and explore potential export opportunities in the United States Virgin Islands.”
C.E.O of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei
Manufacturing Capacity and Product Standards
Beyond the showcase at Yenze Ghana Mall, the delegation visited selected MSME manufacturing facilities, including Solution Oasis, producers of Beauty Secrets cosmetics.
The facility visits offered an opportunity to observe local manufacturing operations and gain first-hand insight into the processes involved in producing goods for potential international markets.
For cosmetics manufacturers, export readiness may involve demonstrating product safety, consistent quality, accurate ingredient labelling, appropriate packaging and compliance with the regulations of the importing jurisdiction.
Meeting these requirements is essential for building buyer confidence and sustaining commercial relationships.
The visits also brought attention to the importance of strengthening the productive capacity of Ghanaian enterprises.
Businesses seeking export contracts must be able to meet orders consistently, maintain quality across production batches and manage delivery schedules without undermining their domestic operations.
Although the visit does not in itself establish that export contracts have been secured, direct engagement between economic development institutions and local manufacturers can help identify products, production capabilities and possible areas for further commercial cooperation.
‘’The delegation also visited selected MSME manufacturing facilities, including Solution Oasis, producers of Beauty Secrets cosmetics, to gain first hand insight into local production and the processes involved in preparing Ghanaian products for international markets.”
C.E.O of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei
Turning Market Access Into Business Growth
The potential value of the initiative extends beyond individual businesses. Successful export relationships can create opportunities for employment, encourage investment in production facilities and increase demand for locally sourced raw materials, packaging and related services.
The next challenge is to translate business development support and international engagements into measurable commercial outcomes, including export orders, repeat purchases, increased production and sustained employment.
For Ghanaian businesses, access to foreign markets can diversify revenue sources and reduce dependence on domestic demand.
However, lasting success will depend on competitiveness, product quality, dependable supply chains and the ability to satisfy buyers’ requirements.
The United States Virgin Islands engagement therefore presents a potential avenue for developing commercial connections, subject to further discussions, market assessment and the fulfilment of relevant export conditions.
“Through engagements like this, the Agency is working to position Ghanaian businesses to take advantage of export opportunities, grow their markets and compete international.’’
C.E.O of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei
GEA says it remains committed to helping Ghanaian enterprises progress from local production towards wider market opportunities through business linkages and strategic partnerships.
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