05/06/2026
On Tuesday 2 June i participate in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as part of an ongoing study on the digital and sustainable needs of MSMEs and start-ups in Ghana.
The focus groups discussions FGD was on Cultural & Creative Industries (CCI) and the Health/Pharmaceutical sector..
The CCI FGD group members were Music a rep from ASAKAA BOYS Gabidezin house Of Fashion a lot discussed the importance of digitalisation in the creative industry mixing it with sustainable lifestyle.
Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Report on
Digital and Sustainable Needs of MSMEs and Start-ups in Ghana
Organized Under:
Ghana Green, Digital & Inclusive Private Sector Development (GDI PSD) Programme
Implemented by: GFA Consulting Group
Commissioned by: Expertise France
Funded by: European Union in Ghana , Netherlands, and France
1
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was convened as part of an ongoing study to assess the digital, green, and ecosystem support needs of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in Ghana. The discussion brought together stakeholders from the entrepreneurial, innovation, cultural and creative industries ecosystem to share experiences, identify key challenges, and propose practical solutions that can strengthen Ghana's private sector.
The discussions revealed three major thematic priority areas:
and
Participants emphasized the need for improved access to financing, stronger innovation support systems, sustainability incentives, digital transformation tools, and collaborative platforms that support business growth and resilience.
2.
The Ghana Green, Digital & Inclusive Private Sector Development (GDI PSD) Programme seeks to strengthen Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting businesses to become more competitive, sustainable, innovative, and digitally enabled.
As part of this initiative, stakeholders were invited to contribute insights through a Focus Group Discussion to identify barriers affecting MSMEs and start-ups and recommend interventions that can promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
3.
The FGD aimed to:
1 Identify digital and sustainability challenges affecting MSMEs and start-ups.
2 Understand ecosystem gaps limiting entrepreneurial growth.
3 Gather practical recommendations from stakeholders.
4 Inform future programme interventions and policy support.
5 Promote collaboration among ecosystem actors.
4.
The Focus Group Discussion utilized a participatory approach where participants brainstormed and prioritized key challenges and opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Discussions were grouped under three thematic areas:
Participants shared practical experiences from their sectors and jointly developed recommendations.
5.
A. Ecosystem and Support System Priorities
1.
Participants identified limited access to finance as one of the greatest barriers facing MSMEs and start-ups.
*High interest rates.
*Strict collateral requirements
*Limited understanding of creative and innovative business models by financial institutions.
*Inadequate seed funding opportunities.
*Develop flexible financing mechanisms tailored to MSMEs and creative enterprises.
*Increase access to grants, seed funds, and blended finance.
*Encourage impact investment and venture capital support.
2.
Participants highlighted that businesses in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) often struggle to access financing due to intangible assets and unconventional business structures.
*Design financial products specific to creative entrepreneurs.
*Develop alternative collateral systems.
*Create dedicated creative industry financing windows.
3.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger support structures that help businesses move from ideas to scalable enterprises.
*Establish incubation and acceleration programmes.
*Build entrepreneur capacity in business planning and investor readiness.
*Strengthen mentorship and coaching support.
4.
Participants stressed the importance of innovation hubs that encourage networking and collaboration.
Create regional innovation hubs.
Foster cross-sector collaboration.
Support idea generation and project development.
Promote partnerships between academia, industry, and government.
B. Green and Sustainability Priorities
1.
Participants noted that many businesses are willing to adopt sustainable practices but lack incentives.
Provide tax exemptions for green businesses.
Improve market access for sustainable products.
Introduce sustainability certification schemes.
Create green innovation awards and grants.
2.
Participants highlighted low public awareness regarding sustainability and circular economy practices.
*Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns.
*Promote sustainability education in schools and communities.
*Build understanding of environmentally responsible business models.
3.
Participants recommended embedding sustainability principles into entrepreneurship programmes and public events.
*Promote environmentally friendly event management.
*Encourage alternatives to single-use plastics.
*Showcase sustainable business practices during exhibitions and trade fairs.
The Do Away With Plastics in Schools (DAWPIS) initiative was cited as a practical example of integrating sustainability into educational and community development programmes through environmental education and plastic waste reduction campaigns.
C.
1. Development of Localized Digital Applications
Participants emphasized the need for locally relevant digital tools that address Ghanaian business realities.
*Develop software tailored to local MSME needs.
*Create digital solutions that document and simplify business workflows.
*Support indigenous technology innovation.
2. Improved Access to Promotional and Marketing Platforms
Limited digital visibility remains a challenge for many businesses.
*Improve access to digital marketing tools.
*Strengthen e-commerce participation.
*Build capacity in online branding and sales.
*Support digital advertising initiatives.
3. Learning Platforms for Digital Transformation
Participants stressed the need for practical learning opportunities that help businesses adopt digital technologies.
*Develop digital literacy programmes.
*Provide online learning platforms.
*Offer practical training in e-commerce, AI, business software, and digital marketing.
4. Mentorship Platforms
Participants identified mentorship as critical to business growth.
*Create digital mentoring platforms.
*Connect start-ups with experienced entrepreneurs.
*Facilitate peer-to-peer learning networks.
6. Cross-Cutting Recommendations
Across all thematic areas, participants emphasized the need to:
Encourage partnerships among government, private sector, academia, development partners, and civil society.
Ensure women, youth, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities benefit from support programmes.
Encourage experimentation and innovation through grants, competitions, and incubation support.
Provide ongoing training in sustainability, entrepreneurship, financial management, and digital skills.
Align support programmes with national development priorities and private sector needs.
7.
The Focus Group Discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing MSMEs and start-ups in Ghana. Participants highlighted the urgent need for improved financing, stronger ecosystem support, sustainability incentives, digital transformation tools, and collaborative platforms.
The recommendations generated through the discussion provide a practical roadmap for future interventions under the Ghana Green, Digital & Inclusive Private Sector Development (GDI PSD) Programme. By addressing these priorities, stakeholders can contribute to building a more competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and digitally enabled entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana.
Annex: Priority Areas Identified
& Support System Priorities
*Flexible financing opportunities.
*Tailored loans and financing for creatives.
Integrated ideation, incubation, and investment readiness programmes.
*Creation of enabling hub environments for collaboration and project development.
& Sustainability Priorities
*Sustainability incentives (market access, tax exemptions).
*Public sensitization and education campaigns.
*Integration of sustainability into events and programmes.
Priorities
*Localized applications and software solutions.
Improved access to promotional, marketing, and e-commerce platforms.
*Learning platforms for digital transformation.
*Mentoring and networking platforms.
