Absa Bank Ghana and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) have joined forces to help Ghanaian businesses unlock the potential opportunities within the 2025 National Budget.
The strategic partnership was unveiled during the fifth edition of the Chamber National Dialogue Series, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The forum served as a vibrant platform to discuss how the private sector can align with government priorities to drive economic transformation.
Organised by the GNCCI in partnership with Absa Bank, the Dialogue Series attracted policymakers, academics, business leaders, and financial experts, all focused on dissecting the 2025 Budget and identifying pathways for private sector growth.
The event featured insightful presentations and panel discussions from a host of thought leaders including Mark Badu-Aboagye, CEO of GNCCI; Clement Osei-Amoako, President of GNCCI; Prof Peter Quartey, Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER); Prof Godfred Bokpin, Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School; and Joe Jackson, Director of Business Operations at Dalex Finance.
Addressing participants, Dr Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana Limited, emphasised the importance of strategic positioning by businesses in today’s dynamic economic climate.
“In this climate, businesses must sharpen their value proposition and remain attuned to policy direction—identifying the areas government prioritises and ensuring their offerings speak clearly to national development goals.”
Dr Edward Nartey Botchway
Efforts To Support Businesses
Dr Botchway elaborated on Absa Bank’s ongoing efforts to support businesses in capitalising on national development opportunities. One key initiative is the SME Loan programme offered in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, providing financing at 10% per annum.
“This initiative has provided over $84 million to more than 7,000 SMEs,” he noted, underscoring the bank’s strong commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the Ghanaian economy.
He further highlighted Absa Bank’s broad suite of support mechanisms aimed at helping businesses navigate a complex economic landscape. These include trade finance and investment banking solutions designed to help companies access global markets, optimise supply chains, and secure long-term capital. In addition, Dr Botchway mentioned the bank’s risk management tools, such as currency hedging, which are tailored to help businesses withstand exchange rate volatility and safeguard their financial margins.
Beyond the financial instruments, Dr Botchway issued a compelling call to action for Ghanaian businesses to be proactive and responsive.
“At the end of the day, it is the actions we take that will make a difference. Absa stands ready to support businesses navigating this landscape, ensuring they are equipped to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
Dr Edward Nartey Botchway
The Chamber National Dialogue Series has become an important fixture on the economic calendar, providing a forum for the private sector to engage with fiscal policy in a meaningful way. The 2025 edition, with Absa Bank as a strategic partner, reinforced the urgency of aligning business strategies with government priorities to accelerate Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
GNCCI CEO Lauds The Collaboration With Absa Bank
In his address, GNCCI CEO Mark Badu-Aboagye lauded the collaboration with Absa Bank and emphasised the Chamber’s commitment to policy advocacy on behalf of the business community. He reiterated the need for private enterprises to pay close attention to fiscal policy, stressing that understanding the national budget is crucial to identifying growth opportunities.
The presence of academic and industry experts at the event brought additional depth to the discussions, with analyses focused on inflation trends, currency stability, investment prospects, and regulatory developments expected in the fiscal year. Speakers urged businesses to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions and leverage policy-driven funding opportunities to scale up operations and remain competitive.
As Ghana looks ahead to 2025, partnerships like that of Absa Bank and GNCCI provide an essential bridge between government policy and private sector action. The National Dialogue Series not only fostered knowledge-sharing but also sparked renewed confidence among business leaders that, with the right tools and direction, Ghanaian enterprises can thrive despite global economic headwinds.
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