The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export-Import Bank, Sylvester Adinam Mensah, has outlined an ambitious strategy to deepen Ghana’s export capacity and reduce import dependence as the bank marks its 10th anniversary.
Speaking at a commemorative event in Accra, Mr Mensah said the bank was established in 2016 with a clear mandate to support production, value addition, and export development through targeted financial and trade interventions.
He noted that over the past decade, GEXIM has recorded significant growth, with its loan portfolio expanding from under $70 million to nearly $300 million by the fourth quarter of 2025, while supporting hundreds of businesses nationwide.
According to him, the bank has also increased its annual support for import substitution and export-related activities, alongside expanding partnerships with over a dozen development finance institutions.
Despite these gains, Silvester Mensah stressed that success must go beyond financial growth. “Progress must be measured by relevance, impact, and the quality of outcomes,” he said, posing critical questions about whether Ghanaian firms are becoming more export-ready, moving up the value chain, and contributing to foreign exchange generation.
He highlighted key lessons from the bank’s operations, noting that access to finance alone is insufficient to drive business growth. He explained that many enterprises struggle due to high capital costs, weak logistics systems, and limited market information.
“Businesses need a complete support system, not just financing,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, the CEO announced a shift towards a more focused and results-driven strategy for the period 2025 to 2030. This includes expanding tailored financial products such as export credit guarantees, concessional working capital, and agribusiness funding, as well as introducing blended finance and equity investments.
He identified priority sectors including agro-processing, garments, pharmaceuticals, industrial oils, and key food value chains such as rice and poultry, with the aim of building competitive production ecosystems.
The bank also plans to intensify support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by improving export readiness through training, mentorship, and access to digital tools and market intelligence.
Silvester Mensah further announced plans to strengthen trade facilitation through business-to-business platforms, trade missions, and enhanced market access initiatives, while modernizing the institution through digital transformation and improved governance systems.
The strategy, he said, is designed to boost non-traditional exports, enhance food security, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings.
He emphasized that achieving these goals will require strong partnerships with government, regulators, investors, and industry players.
Silvester Mensah also acknowledged the role of John Dramani Mahama, under whose administration GEXIM was established in 2016.
The anniversary event, he noted, is not only a celebration of milestones but an opportunity to forge new partnerships and drive investment aimed at transforming Ghana’s industrial and export landscape.
