Stanbic Bank advocates for increased funding access for women-led agribusinesses

Stanbic Bank Ghana has reiterated its dedication to supporting women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the agribusiness sector by providing access to competitive financing options.

Speaking at the 2025 Women in Business Dialogue Series, Mr. Yaw Njorgnab, Manager of Agribusiness at Stanbic Bank Ghana, highlighted various funding opportunities available to female entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses.

He outlined key avenues through which women-led agribusinesses can access funding, including government interventions such as the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL). Additionally, he pointed to private sector grants, venture capital programs, and crowdfunding initiatives as viable alternatives.

“The bank recognizes the significant role women play in the agribusiness value chain, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the financial support needed for expansion. Through our partnerships and innovative financing solutions, we aim to bridge the funding gap and empower female entrepreneurs in the sector” he said.

Addressing concerns about the reluctance of commercial banks to extend loans to agribusinesses, Mr. Njorgnab acknowledged existing challenges such as erratic weather conditions, inadequate risk management tools, and limited collateral availability.

However, he noted that these issues are being mitigated through strategic partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) such as the MasterCard Foundation’s BIA Programme, GIRSAL, the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), and the Development Bank Ghana (DBG).

“Many commercial banks, including Stanbic Bank Ghana, are actively working to change the perception that agribusiness financing is high-risk. Our collaboration with DFIs allows us to offer long-term funding at affordable interest rates while ensuring accessibility for SMEs.”

He further revealed that due to these interventions, Stanbic Bank Ghana has increased its financial support to the agribusiness sector from 10% in 2023 to approximately 15% in 2024, demonstrating its growing confidence in the industry’s potential.

As the agribusiness sector continues to evolve, Stanbic Bank Ghana remains committed to fostering an enabling environment for women-led SMEs, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.

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