The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) are pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the Ghana National Kaizen Award 2025.
The GNKA is Ghana’s premier award recognizing excellence in Kaizen—a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. Over the years, Kaizen has empowered businesses around the world to streamline operations, improve productivity, and boost employee morale. In Ghana, this powerful tool has taken root with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Pan-Africa Productivity Association (PAPA), making the country a key hub for Kaizen in West Africa.
Since 2019, the Africa Kaizen Award has recognized outstanding enterprises across the continent at the Africa Kaizen Annual Conference. Ghana has proudly stood out with Francis Aluminum Limited and Tiwajo Industry Limited winning continental awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
Building on this legacy, the Ghana National Kaizen Award 2025 seeks to honor the best Kaizen-performing enterprises in Ghana and select national representatives for the upcoming Africa Kaizen Awards.
Award Objectives
The Ghana National Kaizen Award aims to:
Identify and nominate Ghanaian enterprises for the Africa Kaizen Award.
Showcase the benefits of Kaizen practices to the public.
Inspire a wider adoption of Kaizen principles among businesses and institutions in Ghana.
Eligibility Criteria
Enterprises must:
Be legally registered and operating in Ghana.
Have conducted Kaizen activities in both 2023 and 2024.
Provide photographic evidence of before-and-after Kaizen improvements.
Present measurable performance indicators showing Kaizen impact.
Demonstrate benefits beyond business growth, including improvements in employee welfare.
Be willing to share their Kaizen journey publicly to inspire others.
Award Categories
Micro and Small Scale Enterprises: 50 or fewer workers (regular and non-regular combined)
Medium Scale Enterprises: More than 50 and up to 250 workers
Large Scale Enterprises: More than 250 workers
How to Apply
Interested enterprises should complete and submit the official entry sheet (DOWNLOAD HERE) to the Ghana Enterprises Agency by Monday, 22nd April 2025.
Selection and Recognition
Winners will be notified mid-May 2025 to prepare for the Africa Kaizen Awards.
An official award ceremony will be held in September 2025, celebrating Ghana’s most committed Kaizen champions.
Contact the Secretariat
Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA)
Ms. Anthea Ohene
Manager, Greater Accra Regional Office
Email: antheaohene@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +233 24 483 5702
Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI)
Ms. Ethel Ansah Antwi
Ag. Director, Training
Email: telsantwi@yahoo.co.uk
WhatsApp: +233 20 910 2527
This is your opportunity to gain national recognition, inspire other enterprises, and represent Ghana on the continental stage. Apply now and be part of Ghana’s Kaizen success story!
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in collaboration with the German Cooperation's "Invest for Jobs" initiative, is implementing the Digitalize for Jobs (D4J) 2025 project under the broader SME Innovation and Inclusion Programme. This second phase builds on the success of the Women SME Digitalization Programme, with a renewed focus on promoting digital inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who own or lead SMEs. This initiative recognizes the increasing importance of digital transformation in fostering business growth. It seeks to equip PWD-owned/led MSMEs with critical digital skills, tools, and strategies to improve their operational efficiency, market reach, and job creation potential.
To support this objective, GEA seeks to engage a Digital Literacy Consultant to lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of tailored digital literacy training and support services for 50 PWD-led SMEs across five regions in Ghana. At least 70% of the targeted SMEs are women-led.
PURPOSE OF ENGAGEMENT
The consultant will provide strategic technical support and implement digital literacy interventions aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of targeted SMEs. The primary goal is to empower PWD-led businesses with the knowledge and resources to optimize their operations and improve access to digital tools, thereby creating new employment opportunities and stimulating business growth.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Build digital capacity of 50 PWD-owned/led SMEs (with a focus on 70% women-led enterprises)
Provide targeted training and resources to enable digital transformation
Facilitate access to practical digital tools and platforms
Improve operational efficiency, customer engagement, and business competitiveness
Contribute to the creation of jobs through enhanced SME performance
SCOPE OF WORK
Conduct needs assessments to determine digital literacy levels and gaps
Develop and implement tailored training modules (virtual and in-person)
Provide one-on-one mentoring/coaching where necessary
Recommend suitable digital tools, platforms, and innovations
Monitor SME progress and the impact of digital interventions
Produce reports and case studies highlighting outcomes and lessons learned
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
Digital literacy assessment report for 50 SMEs
Training curriculum and materials tailored to PWD-led SMEs
Capacity-building sessions delivered (minimum X sessions)
Mid-term and final progress reports
Recommendations for scale-up and sustainability
LOCATION & REPORTING
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should submit their CV and application letter to info@gea.gov.gh and copy greateraccra@gea.gov.gh.
Application Deadline: 17th March 2025
Join us in transforming Ghanaian SMEs through digital innovation!
Download Terms of Reference (ToR) – Digital Literacy Consultant ↓
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in partnership with Invest for Jobs, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Digital Consultant to support the implementation of the SME Innovation & Inclusion Programme – Digitalize for Jobs (D4J 2025). This role is a full-time consultancy position, driving digital transformation for SMEs in Ghana over a 100-working-day assignment within 6 months.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Lead Digital Consultant will play a key role in equipping SMEs with digital tools, knowledge, and strategies to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and business growth. The consultant will provide expert guidance on digitalization and innovation management, supporting SMEs—especially PWD-owned or led businesses and those with at least 10% PWD employees—to navigate the digital economy effectively.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES
The consultant will be responsible for delivering:
The consultant must be available for regular meetings with GEA and funding partners to review progress.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
LOCATION & REPORTING
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should submit their CV and application letter to info@gea.gov.gh and copy greateraccra@gea.gov.gh.
Application Deadline: 17th March 2025
Join us in transforming Ghanaian SMEs through digital innovation!
Download ToR - Lead Digital Consultant (D4J 2025) ↓
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner seeking to expand and conquer new markets? Whatever your aspirations may be, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA)- your trusted partner in business development and growth stands ready to support you on your journey to success. Becoming a client of GEA opens the door to a world of opportunities, resources, and support tailored to meet your unique needs and propel your business forward. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the simple steps to becoming a client of GEA and unlocking the full potential of your entrepreneurial journey.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Before you embark on your journey to become a GEA client, it's essential to gather the necessary documentation to streamline the registration process. You'll need:
Having these documents readily available will ensure a smooth and efficient registration experience.
Step 2: Visit a Business Advisory Centre (BAC) or Business Resource Centre(BRC)
GEA operates Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and Business Resource Centres (BRCs) in 264 districts across the country, serving as convenient access points for entrepreneurs seeking assistance and support. With your documents and a clear understanding of your business needs, it's time to visit any Business Advisory Centre (BAC) or Business Resource Centre (BRC) near your district to seek assistance.
Step 3: Engage with GEA Staff
At the BAC/BRC, you'll be welcomed by Business Advisors who are dedicated to helping you succeed. They will guide you through the registration process and assist you in completing any necessary forms, verify your documents, and provide information about the range of services and programs available to GEA clients.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Process
Once your documentation has been verified, and the registration fee has been paid, you'll officially become a client of GEA! Congratulations – you've taken the first step towards unlocking your business potential and achieving your entrepreneurial goals.
Step 5: Access GEA Services and Support
As a registered client of GEA, you'll gain access to a wide range of services and support programs designed to help you grow and succeed in business. Whether you need assistance with business planning, access to finance, market research, or capacity-building workshops, GEA has resources to support you every step of the way.
Step 6: Stay Connected and Engaged
Stay connected with GEA by attending workshops, seminars, and networking events organized by the Agency. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
Conclusion
Becoming a client of the Ghana Enterprises Agency is your passport to business success and prosperity. With GEA's support and guidance, you'll have the tools, resources, and knowledge you need to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Take the first step today and embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and success with GEA by your side.
Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), is the apex governmental body dedicated to the promotion and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana, with sixteen (16) Regional Offices and Two Hundred and Ten (210) Business Advisory Centres (BACs) across the country, has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to implement the Business in a Box Project (BizBox). The Agency is contracting qualified and interested persons for appointment as District Coordinators in various districts.
BizBox District Coordinators JP NSPPs
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) is partnering with the Mastercard Foundation to implement the Business in a Box (BizBox) project and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Selection of Individual Consultants for the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA).
GEA now invites sealed Curriculum Vitae from eligible Qualified Consultants for the selection of consultants for the following Positions.
In the world of business, you often have just a few seconds to make a lasting impression. Whether you're at a networking event, pitching to investors, or simply introducing your business to a potential client, a well-crafted elevator pitch can be your secret weapon. It's a concise way to communicate what your business does and why it matters. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create an elevator pitch that leaves a memorable mark.
1. Start with a Hook
Every great elevator pitch begins with a hook – something that grabs your listener's attention right away. It could be a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a brief story that relates to your business. Imagine the listener's ears perking up as you utter those first words.
2. Clearly State Your Business Name and Purpose
After the hook, it's essential to immediately state your business name and its core purpose. Be brief and straightforward. For instance, "I'm the founder of [Ramies Couture], and we help [middle-class Ghanaians] to [dress their best without breaking the bank]." This establishes who you are and what you do right from the onset.
3. Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
To stand out, highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). What makes your business different from the competition? Why should your listener be interested? Focus on the specific value you bring to your customers or clients. Your USP is your secret sauce.
4. Address the Problem You Solve
Clearly articulate the problem or pain point that your business addresses. This helps your listener understand the relevance of your business. It's about showing that you're not just offering a product or service; you're providing a solution to a real problem.
5. Describe Your Target Audience
Mention the specific demographic or group of people your business serves. This personalizes your pitch and helps the listener relate. Knowing your audience is essential, and communicating that knowledge can make a significant difference.
6. Share a Success Story or Impactful Result
Stories are memorable. Provide a brief example or story that illustrates how your business has positively impacted a customer or client. This adds credibility and paints a vivid picture of the value you deliver. People remember stories far better than facts and figures.
7. Keep It Concise
A great elevator pitch is concise, typically lasting no longer than 30-60 seconds. In this age of short attention spans, briefness is your friend. Focus on delivering the most critical information clearly and concisely.
8. Practice and Refine
Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your elevator pitch until it flows naturally. Practice with a friend or colleague and gather feedback. Refine your pitch based on these insights and your own observations.
9. Adapt to Your Audience
Tailor your elevator pitch to suit the context and interests of your listener. Highlight aspects of your business that are most relevant to them. This adaptability makes your pitch more engaging and impactful.
10. End with a Call to Action
Conclude your pitch with a clear call to action. Depending on the situation, this could be an invitation to learn more about your business, schedule a meeting, or explore a partnership. Leaving your listener with a clear next step keeps the conversation going.
11. Be Authentic and Enthusiastic
Authenticity and enthusiasm are contagious. Show genuine excitement for your business, and let your passion shine through. An authentic and enthusiastic pitch is far more compelling and memorable.
12. Seek Feedback
Lastly, don't hesitate to seek feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your elevator pitch further.
Crafting an effective elevator pitch is an art form that takes practice and refinement. However, with the right approach, your pitch can confidently and clearly introduce your business to potential clients, partners, and investors. So, go ahead and craft your elevator pitch, because in the world of business, those few seconds can make all the difference.
Access Bank is excited to extend an exclusive invitation to you for the very first edition of the Access Bank - Deloitte Ghana SME Business Interaction Series. This pioneering event is designed with your growth and prosperity in mind, aimed at empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating within the Trade and Distribution Sector.
Event Details:
Why Attend?
This unique workshop has been meticulously crafted to provide you with invaluable insights, strategies, and practical knowledge that will elevate your business to new heights. As an SME owner within the Trade and Distribution Sector, you understand the significance of financial empowerment in achieving business resilience and long-term success. This event promises to equip you with the tools you need to not only navigate challenges but also seize opportunities in today's dynamic market.
Agenda Highlights:
Seize Your Opportunity: Registration Details
Your presence is crucial to making this event a resounding success. To secure your slot, we kindly request you to register by clicking on the link below:
Important Information:
Registration is absolutely FREE, but the insights and connections you'll gain are invaluable. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to empower your business for a prosperous future.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Access Bank - Deloitte Ghana SME Business Interaction Series.
The Facility Investing for Employment is an investment mechanism for job creation that provides co-financing grants for private and public projects in its eight African partner countries. On 1 June 2023, a competition round will launch in Ghana. The Call is open to all sectors of the economy.
Private companies as well as public and non-profit organisations are invited to submit investment proposals. Applications are accepted in four categories. They range from purely private sector investments to public infrastructure projects. The Facility supports the projects with grants ranging from 1 million to 10 million euros per project. The amount of the grant depends on the project category and ranges from 25% to 90% of the investment volume. It is essential that each project contributes to sustainable job creation in the private sector in Ghana. The Facility only finances mature projects that have not yet started and that offer reasonable chances for being operationally and financially sustainable.
Candidates can apply individually or in a consortium with other candidates, provided they are based in African countries or in the EU/EFTA.
This is how the application process works
Applications for the competition round can be submitted from 1 to 30 June 2023. In the first step, the Facility will make a pre-selection from the submitted concept notes. In a second phase, the selected applicants will be asked to submit elaborated project proposals, which will then be evaluated in detail.
Successful applicants will be offered a grant contract. Potential applicants can contact the IFE Helpdesk from May 2023: helpdesk-ife@invest-for-jobs.com.
General information on the application process is available at https://invest-for-jobs.com/ife.
The competition criteria for this Call for Proposals and the dates of the online information sessions are published in the Key Information Sheet and the Guidelines for Applicants. Both documents will be made available in the Download Center at https://invest-for-jobs.com/en/ife-download-center.
If you have questions about this competition round, please write to: cfp-ife.june2023@invest-for-jobs.com
The Facility Investing for Employment is an investment mechanism created by the KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as an integral part of the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition". The Special Initiative, which also operates under the brand Invest for Jobs, aims to team up with companies to create good jobs in the eight African partner countries, and to improve local working conditions.
General Information and further support services are offered by the Special Initiative: https://invest-for-jobs.com.
On February 20th, 2023, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and Alliance for Integrity signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the GEA Business Integrity (Pepeye) Project.
The objective of the Project is to adopt a multi-sectoral strategy through advocacy and business development services that make it easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-owned/led to establish the foundation of a successful Anti-Corruption and compliance programme.
The signing of the MoU to implement this Project solidifies our partnership which started in 2018, a few months after Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh’s appointment as the first female Chief Executive Officer of GEA, formerly National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
In 2022, Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh was elected as the Chair of the Advisory Group in Ghana to lead and champion the Anti-Corruption crusade. The continuous and active engagement with GEA testifies to the fact that we find solutions and become stronger through collective actions.
From the very first meeting, the relevance of the work of Alliance for Integrity with the Ghana Enterprises Agency and above all for GEA’s clients, MSMEs in Ghana, was very clear to Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh. Alliance for Integrity's practical approach to strengthening compliance and integrity in the day-to-day activities of firms resonates with the mandate and the priorities of GEA: “The government of Ghana is really committed to Anti-Corruption and transparency and is taking serious steps to address these issues and our Agency has a concrete mandate for a transformation that supports MSMEs”.
One of her priorities has been looking at Anti-Corruption with a gender lens: “There is a growing share of women entrepreneurs in Ghana who want to do things right and are keen to support each other”. Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh is convinced that women are powerful change agents in the promotion of integrity and has therefore been a driving force behind the Alliance for Integrity Women for Integrity Series (WISe). Together with Alliance for Integrity Ghana and other partners, considerable work has already been done with others in progress and even more to be taken up. The WISe series has grown up to have more participants, partners, and a focused working group for designing an “Ethical Negotiation Training Toolkit” and Regional Exchanges with Asia and Latin America. Mrs. Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh said that “GEA is interested in actively using the WISe platform to reach out to stakeholders and work together in transforming the business environment. She argues that the degree of involvement of the informal sector in trade is often underestimated. Companies are extremely intertwined nowadays, and these linkages are rapidly expanding.
Small and informal firms in remote places are often connected to international supply chains in one way or another. Corruption increases the costs of business, especially for MSMEs, and hinders their ability for business and trade. Promoting transparency and integrity means creating more opportunities for small firms to do business, including for women-led firms. The MSMEs in Ghana widely share the view that there is a business case for integrity, but the case can only be won if all relevant actors work together. The MSMEs are interested in participating because collective action provides the leverage to deal with administrative and procurement integrity obstacles that cannot be solved individually. More so, they welcome having a forum to discuss challenges and co-create solutions to navigate difficult situations.
GEA continually underscores that the goal of its Anti-Corruption engagement is to create a business environment in which Ghana’s MSMEs can succeed and thrive. Working at the grassroots level and using the convening ability of GEA to create a space for difficult conversations have been key elements for the successful collaboration with the Alliance for Integrity. Even the smallest of firms in Ghana is in a position to name corruption challenges, but the issues do not come up and cannot be systematically addressed without a safe forum for discussions and the stewardship of the public sector. This can be done by providing training materials, developing exchange formats, and fostering the international exchange of experiences in dealing with corruption.
The Alliance for Integrity Secretariat has been instrumental in making the best use of these spaces. Going forward, GEA will be engaging with partners within the Alliance for Integrity network and those others in the Ghanaian business environment to continually push the collective action agenda for more complaint business engagements based on its partnership with AfIn and in line with its mandates.
