The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has advised government, financial institutions and the private sector to develop comprehensive policies that encompass financial solutions to support women in agribusiness.

This, the Association among others believes would remove several barriers women in agribusiness face and cushion them to contribute their quarter to the economic advancement of the country, and the African continent.

The Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regional Chairman, Dela Gadzanku made this known at the opening ceremony of the Women in Agribusiness Week in Ho.

The event powered by Guzakuza, a non governmental organisation vested in the development of women in agriculture aimed to provide a platform to build the capacity of women in agribusiness to help them improve their ventures.

Mr. Gadzanku identified that women in agribusiness on the African continent lack access to finance, technology, and knowledge while dealing with digital exclusion.

“Today, I urge us all - government bodies, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders - to invest in women-specific financial products and services.

“We must develop financial solutions that cater to the unique needs of women in agribusiness, offering low-interest loans, microfinancing, and savings platforms that women can access and benefit from without facing prohibitive barriers”, he said.

He also advocated for the inclusion of women at the decision table ensuring to offer their invaluable insights and perspectives on policies and other Initiatives that seek to address issues of agriculture and the food chain.

“Therefore, as we connect African food systems, let us prioritize women’s representation in agricultural policy discussions, cooperatives, and trade associations.

“Let us encourage female leadership and mentorship within agribusiness, empowering women not only to participate but also to lead. Women in leadership can act as role models, inspiring future generations and fostering an environment where equality, innovation, and sustainability can flourish”, Mr. Gadzanku said.

He reckoned the challenge of access to markets outside the jurisdiction of women in agribusiness as one key impediment to the development of their enterprises.

He suggested the formulation of a value chain that would ensure women can reach wider markets with their products across the globe.

He also entreated the participants to take advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provided a borderless market on the continent to market their products and build networks with like-minded international organizations.

“Today, I call upon businesses and policymakers to support initiatives that create market linkages for women agripreneurs. Let us facilitate partnerships between women-owned businesses and larger agro-processors or retailers. Let us create avenues for women to showcase their products and reach a wider market territory.

“In closing, I want to underscore the theme of this conference should go beyond mere rhetoric. It should inspire a deep commitment to building an Africa where women are no longer on the margins but at the centre of agribusiness, leading with vision, strength, and resilience.

"It is a call to action for us to invest in women, amplify their voices, and ensure they have the resources to succeed”, he concluded.