Growing Ghana’s Green Future: Inside the GCIC-GIZ Business Competition

At the heart of this transformation is one of the most exciting initiatives under the Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) Programme — the Green Business Competition for Micro Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). Co-implemented with Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC).

This Green Business competition identifies promising green businesses and takes them through an intensive incubation process. This includes tailored business development support, sector-specific training, and hands-on coaching to refine their innovations, strengthen their operations, and scale their impact. The goal is not only to help these businesses grow but to position them as leaders in Ghana’s climate action and job creation efforts.

Transformative Incubation and Women in Entrepreneurship

A distinctive feature of the competition is a rigorous business incubation journey, where selected MSMEs go through a tailored package of support, including targeted masterclasses, one-on-one business advisory, and sector-specific coaching. The dual focus is clear: strengthen the business model while deepening environmental sustainability practices. Entrepreneurs learn to refine their value propositions, improve operational efficiency, and adopt sustainable technologies that can be scaled.

Special attention is given to women entrepreneurs through the Women in Entrepreneurship Training Program, which equips female founders with leadership skills, strategic thinking, and practical tools to expand their businesses sustainably. Feedback from participants has been resoundingly positive — many reports show improvement in sustainability practices, sharper decision-making, stronger leadership, and better financial management. They have also benefited from networking opportunities that have opened new markets and sparked collaborative climate action.

Climate Action in Motion

The competition’s impact reaches beyond the individual entrepreneur. Collectively, these businesses are contributing to climate resilience in Ghana by embedding green solutions into their operations. According to programme data, participating MSMEs have introduced practices and technologies expected to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 30% in targeted operations, while increasing the use of renewable energy and sustainable materials. From waste-to-energy products to eco-friendly manufacturing and renewable-powered irrigation, these innovations are setting a benchmark for how MSMEs can drive both environmental and economic change.

From Cohort 1 alone, participating businesses have collectively prevented over 920 tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.  Which is equivalent to taking around 200 sedans off the road for an entire year, showing how small enterprises can make a big difference in the global fight against climate change.

The employment gains are also just as striking. These green businesses are sustaining 619 jobs across Ghana — 340 full-time and 175 part-time and have created 104 entirely new jobs in the process. Every one of these figures represents a livelihood supported, a family provided for, and a step toward a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Spotlight on Excellence

Some of the participating businesses have already attracted international attention for their work. Their stories have been featured on major platforms, underscoring the global relevance of Ghana’s green innovation space. Click the links below to read:

Could your next cup of coffee come from Ghana? – CNN Marketplace Africa  

https://www.dw.com/en/giving-life-to-ghanas-discarded-coconut-shells/video-72647745 

https://www.dw.com/en/ghanaians-look-for-organic-alternatives-to-plastic-packaging/video-72557253

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, we will share in-depth success stories revealing how our intervention, through grants, business coaching, and access to vital equipment has enabled these businesses to expand their operations, implement their green innovations at scale, and create lasting environmental and social impact.