CCI France Ghana and Proparco Join Forces to Bridge the Financing Gap for Ghana’s Private Sector
In a high-level convening held on March 10, 2026, at the French Residence, key stakeholders from the French and Ghanaian business communities gathered to bridge the financing gap currently facing the nation's private sector.
The event, jointly organized by CCI France Ghana and Proparco (the private sector arm of the French Development Agency - AFD), focused on a singular, critical theme: "Ghanaian Private Sector: Navigating the Financial Landscape."
The session was opened by the Managing Director of CCI France Ghana, Ms. Maxine Reindorf-Partey who set a collaborative tone for the morning. Highlighting the undeniable weight of the private sector in the national economy, Ms. Reindorf-Partey noted that it accounts for a substantial share of production and nearly 90% of the working-age population in Ghana.
"The private sector is a critical engine for growth, innovation, and employment across the continent," the Managing Director stated. "However, businesses still face important challenges, particularly access to affordable and long-term financing, as well as infrastructure constraints that prevent expansion and competitiveness."
She emphasized that for the Chamber, which currently hosts more than 60 French companies, facilitating these connections is at the core of their mission. The session aimed to introduce Proparco’s operations and identify concrete financing needs to support local industrialization.
Following the opening remarks, Her Excellency Diarra Dimé-Labille, the Ambassador of France to Ghana, took the podium to reaffirm France’s commitment to Ghana’s economic and environmental manifestos for 2030 and 2050.
"France’s position is clear," Ambassador Dimé-Labille told the assembly. "Through initiatives like the European Union programs and Proparco’s 'Choose Africa' programme, we are designed to mobilize and rapidly scale up support for both small and large sectors."
Her Excellency noted that support is being offered in the form of insurance, credit, and equity. She acknowledged the hurdles facing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), specifically pointing out that infrastructure gaps and limited credit access hinder productivity. To combat this, she highlighted that the AFD Group has developed a range of financial instruments, including direct loans and risk-sharing guarantees, specifically aimed at improving the "bankability" of Ghanaian projects.
Beyond direct financing, Her Excellency underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She described the agreement as a unique opportunity for Ghanaian businesses to expand their reach and tap into new markets across the continent.
"France is a strong supporter of this initiative and is committed to helping Ghanaian companies navigate the complexities of regional trade," she added.
A highlight of the morning was the technical presentation by Ange-Pascal Kouassi, the country representative of the Proparco office in Ghana and Liberia. Mr. Kouassi provided a deep dive into the practical operations and financing mechanisms available to the business community.
He detailed how Proparco is moving beyond simple lending to offer a comprehensive ecosystem of support through tailored loans and equity investments for high-impact projects. Strategic tools designed to encourage local banks to be more proactive in lending to entrepreneurs and Programmes aimed at improving the "bankability" of projects, ensuring Ghanaian businesses are prepared for international investment.
"We want to identify concrete financing needs that can support the growth and expansion of your businesses," Kouassi explained, encouraging participants to utilize Proparco’s local expertise to navigate the AfCFTA and regional trade complexities.
The event concluded with a clear message of solidarity and long-term partnership. The speakers emphasized that a vibrant private sector remains the backbone of a successful economy.
As the session moved into technical presentations, the focus remained on identifying the specific needs of businesses in agribusiness, manufacturing, and services. The gathering at the French Residence served as a vital platform for dialogue, signalling a new chapter of deepened economic partnership between France and Ghana.
Are you interested in learning more about these financing opportunities or joining CCI France Ghana? Visit our website: www.ccifrance-ghana.com or get in touch via info@ccifrance-ghana.com for inquiries regarding member services and upcoming events.