- The program offers loans, advisory services, insurance, networking, and market access
- The initiative aims to address Ghana’s $6.1 billion MSME credit gap
- Mastercard Foundation joins Absa to help overcome barriers for women entrepreneurs
In an effort to address the gender financing gap, Absa Bank Ghana Ltd. has launched ‘She Business,’ an enhanced version of its women’s banking initiative. This new offering provides collateral-free loans of up to GH₵2 million at an interest rate of 10% per annum for eligible female entrepreneurs.
The initiative is part of the bank’s broader strategy to help reduce Ghana’s estimated $6.1 billion MSME credit gap. “Today’s launch is not merely an update to our proposition; it reflects our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs to seize real business opportunities,” said Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana Ltd.
“She Business” builds on the success of EMERGE, Absa’s program for women-led businesses, which has already disbursed over GH₵800 million in funding. The refreshed offering combines financial access with additional services such as advisory support, business insurance, market access, networking platforms, and international trade trips.
Absa also provides collateralized loans of up to $1 million for established SMEs, including women-owned businesses seeking to scale.
Audrey Abakah, Director of SME Banking and Partnerships at Absa Bank Ghana, explained the strategic updates: “Our approach is shaped by what women told us they value most—practical support, affordable credit, and a bank that believes in their potential and supports them at every stage of growth. She Business aims to meet all these needs.”
Gottfried Odamtten-Sowah, Head of Entrepreneurship Development at Mastercard Foundation Ghana, shared his support, stating, “We are proud to partner with Absa Ghana to address the challenges women entrepreneurs face and create sustainable growth opportunities for young women and their businesses.”
The launch event was attended by women business owners, corporate leaders, and policymakers, with participation from the Mastercard Foundation, Hollard Ghana, Telecel Ghana, DHL Group, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and Development Bank Ghana (DBG).
As part of the launch, Grace Amey-Obeng, Founder and CEO of FC Group of Companies; Abigail Amma Afriyie Abora, CEO of Aide Chemists Ltd; and Freda Sarkodie Donkor, CEO of FH Depot, were introduced as the official Champions of Absa She Business.
