The Business Advisory Service Providers Association of Ghana (BASPAG) and the Chamber of Agribusiness of Ghana, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment, have unveiled the Business Development Service (BDS) application and the Ghana Business Directory for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
This initiative is designed to transform, support, and empower SMEs, ensuring their success and sustainability.
Speaking on the theme “Empowering Ghanaian Agribusiness: Unlocking Growth through Digital Innovation,” Nikaj Van Wees, Chief of Party of the Ghana Trade and Investment program, affirmed that the BDS application and the Ghana Business Directory represent crucial catalysts for development and improvement in the agribusiness sector.
Van Wees highlighted that the application is designed to leverage existing resources to help all businesses thrive.
He emphasized that the BDS application is not just a tool but a means to foster inclusivity within the sector. Allowing all stakeholders to subscribe to the platform, it aims to bring together various partners and facilitate collaboration.
Van Wees stressed that the application will play a key role in joining forces, sharing resources, unlocking new opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for the agribusiness sector.
The CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness, Farmer Anthony Morrison, underscored the importance of the newly launched BDS application.
He pointed out that the application is set to play a crucial role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9, which is centred on the fostering industry, driving innovation, and enhancing infrastructure.
Additionally, it will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 17, which is aimed at bolstering global partnerships.
Farmer Morrison highlighted that the BDS application aligns with these goals by promoting technological advancements and fostering collaborative efforts, thereby supporting broader economic and developmental objectives.
Juliana Asante-Dartey, Deputy CEO of Agri Impact Group, addressed the stakeholders gathered, emphasizing the significance of embracing technological advancements.
She underscored that the traditional methods of agribusiness are becoming outdated and that technology is the future.
Asante-Dartey expressed optimism about creating approximately 360,000 jobs in the next four years through this initiative.
“We can not continue to rely on the traditional ways of agribusiness,” she asserted, highlighting the need for modern approaches to meet evolving demands and improve productivity.
The President of the Business Advisory Providers Association of Ghana, Sam Atiemo, commended the BDS application.
He noted that the application represents more than just a platform—it signifies a fundamental change in how business is conducted.
Atiemo explained that with the convenience of a digital platform, businesspersons can connect with clients at minimal costs, significantly enhancing productivity.
“Let’s unlock the potential of our SMEs as enablers of growth and change; it’s not only an application but a bridge,” he stated, underlining the transformative impact the application is expected to have.
Franklin Karikari, Director of Business Support at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP), discussed the application’s role in supporting young entrepreneurs aiming to contribute to the country’s food supply.
Karikari noted that the BDS application offers a valuable opportunity for the government to engage with young people in the agribusiness sector.
He expressed strong governmental support for the initiative and anticipated its successful implementation and utilization.
The launch of the BDS application and the Ghana Business Directory marks a significant step forward in supporting and empowering SMEs within Ghana’s agribusiness sector.
The initiative promises to facilitate modernized practices, foster collaboration, and drive economic growth by leveraging digital innovation.
Through the collective efforts of various stakeholders, this project aims to unlock new potential, enhance productivity, and contribute to a thriving agribusiness ecosystem in Ghana.
The BDS application is available on Google Play Store and App Store with the name BDSGH.
