Government has announced a fresh GH¢401 million capital injection into the Women’s Development Bank to expand access to affordable finance for women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This new capital injection is in addition to the GH¢51.3 million seed fund allocated to the Women’s Development Bank in 2025.

Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to crowd in private finance, strengthen inclusive growth, and empower women entrepreneurs as key drivers of job creation and innovation.

“Mr Speaker, to crowd-in finance for women-owned MSMEs, we are providing another GH¢401 million to the Women’s Development Bank,” he said.

The additional funding will enable the Women’s Development Bank, once established, to promote financial inclusion for women to expand its lending portfolio across all 16 regions.

The Bank is expected to offer concessional loans, financial literacy support, and business development services to help women entrepreneurs scale up their operations and integrate into formal markets.

Dr Forson noted that access to affordable credit remains one of the biggest barriers for women-led businesses in Ghana, which make up more than 44 percent of MSMEs.

The new capital injection, he said, is designed to address that financing gap by leveraging private investment and development finance partnerships.

He also noted that, this support complements other measures such as the 24-Hour Economy Programme, Big Push Infrastructure Plan, and the Accelerated Export Development Initiative, all aimed at creating sustainable jobs and expanding opportunities for small businesses, particularly those led by women and youth.

The Women’s Development Bank is expected to use part of the new funds to de-risk women-focused lending, develop credit guarantee schemes, and strengthen partnerships with rural and community banks to reach underserved areas.