The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and the Ghana International Bank (GHIB) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade relations and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ghana and West Africa through their joint TradeFAST initiative.
The flagship event, held in Accra, convened leading business executives, policymakers, and financial experts to explore innovative solutions for SME financing, trade facilitation, and export development. The hybrid format allowed both in-person and virtual participation, extending the discussion’s reach across the sub-region.
In her opening remarks, Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director of UKGCC, praised the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions, describing it as a “catalyst for trade and SME development.” She commended GHIB for its ongoing investment in financial access, capacity-building, and trade support — all critical drivers of a resilient and 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.
Representing GHIB, Ms. Ophelia Attobrah, Chief Banking Officer, highlighted the central role of innovation, collaboration, and shared expertise in advancing SME growth. She noted that although SMEs constitute nearly 80 percent of global businesses, many continue to face barriers to financing and market entry.
Ms. Attobrah explained that GHIB’s dual presence — as a UK-regulated bank with strong African roots — positions it uniquely to facilitate 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 aligns with the bank’s broader ambition to play a leading role in African banking and SME development.
“Our goal is to help SMEs integrate into global supply chains and leverage trade finance tools to expand beyond their local boundaries,” Ms. Attobrah emphasized.
The event also featured a high-level panel discussion on how Ghanaian enterprises can leverage trade finance mechanisms, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, and global business networks to scale up exports and drive economic transformation.
With UKGCC’s extensive business network and GHIB’s financial expertise, the TradeFAST partnership is emerging as a pivotal platform for SME-led trade expansion, investment attraction, and stronger economic ties between Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the wider African market.
