The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and the Ghana International Bank (GHIB) have reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthening trade relations and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ghana and West Africa through the TradeFAST initiative.
Held in Accra, the flagship GHIB–UKGCC TradeFAST event brought together key business leaders, policymakers, and financial experts to discuss innovative approaches to SME financing, trade facilitation, and export development.
The hybrid event, combining in-person and virtual participation, drew audiences from across the sub-region, allowing more entrepreneurs to access the insights and resources shared.
In her opening address, UKGCC Executive Director, Adjoba Kyiamah, hailed the productive partnership between UKGCC and GHIB, describing it as a catalyst for trade and SME development. She applauded GHIB’s continued investment in providing access to finance, capacity-building, and trade facilitation — vital tools for building a resilient, export-oriented private sector.
“Through platforms like TradeFAST, UKGCC and GHIB are bridging critical gaps and creating practical pathways for Ghanaian businesses to scale and compete globally,” Ms Kyiamah said.
Empowering SMEs
GHIB Chief Banking Officer, Ms Ophelia Attobrah, underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and shared perspectives in promoting sustainable SME growth. She noted that although SMEs represent nearly 80 per cent of businesses worldwide, many continue to struggle with access to capital and international markets.Ms Attobrah explained that GHIB’s dual footprint, as a UK-regulated bank with deep African roots, uniquely positioned it to support trade between the two markets.
“We understand both markets — the UK and Africa — and that gives us the advantage to support SMEs not only in trade but also in adding value to local raw materials to boost exports,” she said.
She added that GHIB’s collaboration with UKGCC fits into the bank’s broader ambition to play a leading role in African banking, particularly within the SME space. “Our goal is to help SMEs integrate into global supply chains and leverage trade finance tools to expand beyond their local boundaries,” she emphasised.
Building competitive SME ecosystem
The TradeFAST event also featured an expert panel discussion exploring how Ghanaian enterprises can harness trade finance tools, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, and global business networks to enhance exports and drive economic transformation.With UKGCC’s expansive business network and GHIB’s financial expertise, the partnership is poised to serve as a vital enabler of SME-led trade and investment, thereby deepening economic ties between Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the broader African market.
