Ghana High Commissioner Paul Evans Aidoo on Friday, called for deeper economic cooperation between Kenya and Ghana during a visit to Oya Microcredit offices in Nairobi.
The meeting brought together diplomats, business leaders and financial stakeholders to explore SME financing, digital finance solutions and cross-border partnerships under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The meeting focused on expanding economic opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening financial inclusion across the two countries.
The engagement took place against the backdrop of growing cooperation between Kenya and Ghana as African nations increasingly explore partnerships that can boost economic empowerment, job creation and sustainable development.
Through the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, African countries are seeking to strengthen cooperation across industries and expand opportunities for businesses across the continent.
During the visit, discussions centred on ways to enhance cross-border partnerships, support entrepreneurship and improve access to credit for SMEs operating in both countries.
Participants also examined how financial institutions can work together to create solutions that help entrepreneurs access working capital and expand their operations.
The High Commissioner commended the role played by Oya Microcredit in providing accessible credit solutions to entrepreneurs and underserved communities, describing such initiatives as vital in promoting innovation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for cross-border collaboration in strengthening SME ecosystems and expanding financial access across Africa.
Participants noted that partnerships between microfinance institutions in Kenya and Ghana could create opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint SME support programmes and increased use of digital finance platforms.
Such initiatives could also help extend financial services to rural populations that remain underserved by traditional banking systems.
Financial inclusion was identified as a key pillar of economic transformation across the continent. Microfinance institutions play an important role in enabling small businesses to participate meaningfully in emerging sectors and regional trade opportunities.
Access to affordable credit, working capital and tailored financial solutions allows entrepreneurs to expand their operations and contribute to economic growth.
Small businesses also provide livelihoods for millions of people across Africa and remain a central pillar of economic activity in many countries.
Institutions such as Oya Microcredit therefore play a significant role in empowering entrepreneurs by providing financial support that enables them to unlock new opportunities in trade, logistics and service provision.
The leadership of Oya Microcredit reaffirmed its commitment to championing inclusive financing and supporting SMEs as engines of economic transformation.
The company’s Chief Executive Wycklife Ochola said the institution is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses by providing financial solutions that drive economic growth and opportunity.
He added that the engagement reflects the organisation’s dedication to fostering partnerships that strengthen African trade and promote sustainable development.
Participants also highlighted the growing importance of digital financial services in expanding access to credit and improving the reach of financial institutions.
Digital platforms are increasingly seen as a key tool for delivering financial services to entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of stronger economic ties between Kenya and Ghana as both countries continue to explore opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
AfCFTA is widely regarded as the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries and is expected to play a significant role in boosting intra-African trade.
Officials attending the engagement expressed optimism that continued collaboration between financial institutions, governments and businesses will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs across the continent.
The visit to Oya Microcredit therefore highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening regional trade, expanding financial inclusion and supporting the growth of SMEs as African economies move toward deeper economic integration.
