The Chief Executive of the Ghana Export-Import (GEXIM) Bank has called for support for SMEs to help them gain access to bigger markets.

Hon. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, sharing GEXIM’s experience at the Global SME Finance Forum ongoing in Johannesburg, South Africa, said for SMEs to grow and compete favourably, they must be assisted to penetrate global markets. He explained that this realisation has made GEXIM sponsor several SMEs to trade fairs and international exhibitions to build networks and access other markets.

SMEs need market access to penetrate global markets. That is why the Ghana EXIM Bank has sponsored a number of SMEs to international exhibitions and trade fairs to meet international buyers, expand their market reach and also create B2B networking opportunities,” he said.

Mr Mensah opined that “access to markets creates more exports and generates foreign exchange for the country” which he deemed important to job creation and economic development.

He further emphasised the significance of SMEs to African economies, stressing their relevance to economic growth.

According to him, “SMEs are integral to the development of economies. We must therefore champion their growth. Governments do not do SMEs a favour by supporting them to grow. SMEs hold the key to economic growth. Creating the environment and providing support for them to thrive is the way to go.”

He therefore called for a more deliberate effort on the part of governments on the continent to help SMEs grow by eliminating obstacles that slow their growth, particularly regulatory red tape.

“African governments must be deliberate about supporting SMEs. One way of doing so is facilitating their acquisition of regulatory Licenses and certifications by creating a one-stop shop where SMEs can interface with regulators, meet requirements, and get their Licenses; this ensures efficiency in their operations,” Mr Mensah advocated.

The Global SME Finance Forum, being organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), under the auspices of the G20, is on the theme, “Building resilience and creating opportunities for growth.” The Forum held from September 15-17, 2025, is an annual gathering of SME leaders and other facilitators such as banks, DFIs and governments across the world.