British International Investment launches pioneering investment platform to boost SME funding in Ghana

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution (DFI) and impact investor, today announced the launch of Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana.

The new platform, which will be supported with a commitment of up to US$50 million from BII (formerly known as CDC Group plc), will provide long-term flexible capital, primarily in local currency, to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West African country.

The announcement comes during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Ghana as part of a four-day visit across the continent to reinforce the UK’s commitment to boost long-term economic growth in Africa.

Despite their importance to the Ghanaian economy, the SME financing gap is estimated at US$4.8 billion, one of the largest in Africa.

SMEs face many challenges with accessing growth capital through traditional funding sources including high interest rates, short-term loans, high collateral requirements and currency mismatches.

Compounded by a challenging macroeconomic environment, influenced by the global pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, SMEs in Ghana need access to long-term growth capital and business support designed to boost their growth, create jobs and deepen their contributions to the Ghanaian economy.

The company, complemented by BII’s new technical assistance facility, Ghana Investment Support Programme, will also look to add value beyond capital by providing business support services and capacity building in areas of financial management, corporate governance and environmental and social practices, enabling the SME sector to grow in a productive, sustainable and inclusive way.

As part of his visit to three African countries including Ghana, the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

“I want the UK to be increasingly driving future-focused, mutually beneficial partnerships with African countries operating in the world’s largest free trade area. From investments in clean energy, to companies turning waste products into fashion items, there is so much potential for economic growth across Africa.  With the UK-African Investment Summit to be hosted in London in April next year, we are looking to strengthen our business links and grow our economies together. By investing in companies in Ghana today, we are investing in jobs and growth for the future.”

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson added:

“Ghana’s long-term economic success matters to the UK, that is why together with the BII we are supporting the SME businesses that are vital to the country’s sustainable economic reform. GIP will bridge the critical gap between these businesses and access to finance. This new platform, a global first for BII, will directly meet the needs of Ghana’s economy, increasing the opportunities needed to create jobs and support inclusive growth across the country.”

Kwabena Asante-Poku, Coverage Director for Ghana, BII, noted:

“We are excited to support the growth ambitions of investment-ready SMEs in Ghana. The launch of GIP in Accra is a testament both to our long-term commitment to the country and our conviction that supporting talented Ghanaian entrepreneurs is the most effective way to deliver transformative impact at scale.”

GIP will be run by experienced Ghanaian investment professionals with a strong track record in Africa.

Jacob Kholi, Chief Executive and Investment Officer, GIP Ghana, said:

“Enabling financial inclusion for Ghanaian SMEs is critical to drive economic growth across the country. With BII’s support, we hope to deliver on this ambition to unlock potential. We believe GIP will be transformative in responding to Ghanaian SMEs’ financing needs, and we look forward to supporting their ambitions to expand, innovate, and drive a sustainable, inclusive economic growth that benefits people in Ghana.”

The investment contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) – Decent Work & Economic Growth.

About British International Investment

• British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.
• BII is a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.
• It invests to support the UK Government’s Clean Green Initiative and to create productive, sustainable, and inclusive economies in our markets.
• Between 2022 and 2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance.
• BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $16 billion to empower women’s economic development over 2021-2022.
• The company has investments in over 1,470 businesses in emerging economies across 65 countries and total assets of £8.1 billion.
• BII’s portfolio in Ghana is currently valued at US$129 million across 29 pioneering companies that employ over 15,800 people.