CIB Ghana, GhISP build financial institutions capacity to drive gender-smart

Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), in partnership with the Ghana Investment Support Programme (GhISP), held a two-day workshop for the SME portfolio managers from banks across Ghana. This programme was designed specifically to support financial institutions in capacity-building and inclusive lending towards Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) sector.

Held on 15th and 16th October 2026 at CIB Ghana in Accra, the workshop brought together professionals from banks and selected Finance Houses to deepen their understanding of contemporary approaches to SME financing. Reflecting on the programme, one participant noted: “One of the challenges we face in financing SMEs is assessing businesses that may be viable but do not always have the financial records or structures we traditionally rely on for credit decisions.

The workshop has given us practical approaches to look more closely at cash flows, the business model and other indicators of viability. We will take these insights back to our institution to strengthen how we assess SMEs and structure financing that better responds to their needs.” SMEs constitute an important component of Ghana’s economy, supporting employment, innovation and economic growth.

However, challenges including weak financial records, inadequate governance, poor cash-flow management and limited investment readiness continue to constrain access to finance. Against this background, the workshop focused on strengthening financing opportunities and developing lending approaches that are both commercially sound and responsive to emerging sustainability and inclusion considerations.

Participants were taken through practical areas including SME business models, inclusive product design, governance and risk assessment, climate risk and green SME financing, credit assessment, cash-flow-based lending, gender-smart finance and inclusive investment. The programme adopted an interactive approach combining expert presentations, practical case studies, experience sharing and group discussions, enabling participants to relate the concepts to real lending and portfolio-management situations within their institutions.

The workshop forms part of a broader CIB Ghana – GhISP initiative aimed at improving the quality of SME lending, enhancing financial inclusion and encouraging financial institutions to integrate climate considerations into lending decisions. At the conclusion of the programme, participating institutions were encouraged to translate the lessons from the workshop into practical actions within their organisations, particularly in credit assessment, product development, portfolio management and engagement with SMEs.

Commenting on the expected impact of the programme, Mr. Robert Dzato, CEO of CIB Ghana, stated that “Strengthening the capacity of financial institutions to adopt sound, inclusive and sustainable lending practices is essential to improving SMEs’ access to finance and supporting their long-term growth. CIB Ghana remains committed to equipping banking professionals with the knowledge and skills to make informed financing decisions that support SME development and Ghana’s economic growth.” The Accra workshop represents the first of two ecosystem workshops under the initiative, with the second scheduled to take place in Kumasi in November 2026.

About CIB Ghana Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) is the professional body for the practice of banking in Ghana, established under the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act, 2019 (Act 991). The Institute’s mandate is to promote the study of banking and regulate the practice of the banking profession in Ghana. Through professional education, certification, capacity building and industry engagement, CIB Ghana supports the development of competent and ethical banking professionals and contributes to the advancement of the banking and financial services industry.

For further information, contact CIB Ghana at info@cibgh.org. About GhISP The Ghana Investment Support Programme (GhISP) is a technical assistance initiative, powered by British International Investment (BII) and supported by SECO and Norfund. The programme aims to increase investment flows to underserved SMEs in Ghana, with a particular focus on gender, inclusion and climate investing.

Through tailored pre- and post-investment support, GhISP helps SMEs get investment-ready and connect them to capital, supporting investments for Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana and other relevant funds in Ghana. Learn more at ghisp.org or contact GhISP Communications Lead, Tine Frank at tine_frank@ghisp.org.