
Our consultant, Binyam Tadesse, supported Amansie Rural Bank PLC in developing its new Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan Product—the Commercial Micro Loan and the Commercial SME Loan. Launched on March 14, 2025, this transformative financial solution provides accessible, flexible, and affordable financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan addresses key financial challenges, unlocks growth potential, and empowers entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Developed in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Support to the Private and Financial Sector Programme (PFS), and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this product bridges the financing gap for businesses in Ghana.
The launch event attracted over 400 participants, including MSME owners, leaders of MSME sector associations, Amansie Rural Bank’s Board of Directors, CEO, senior management, representatives from GIZ’s PFS Program, and a consortium of GOPA AFC and CDC Consult.
“MSMEs are the backbone of our economy—driving job creation, innovation, and community development. Yet, access to affordable financing remains a major hurdle,” stated Emmanuel Owusu, Head of Credit at Amansie Rural Bank. “The Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan Product is designed to bridge this gap, providing tailored, flexible financing that enables entrepreneurs to invest in growth, expand their operations, and seize new opportunities”.
Through this initiative, and with the expert support of GOPA AFC, Amansie Rural Bank conducted market research to identify the financial needs of MSMEs and developed a customized, scalable financing solution tailored to their unique needs. The product’s design was tested and piloted with GOPA AFC’s consultancy support. Amansie staff received training on product specifications, credit appraisal, and sales strategies. GOPA AFC also facilitated partnerships with eight MSME sector associations, expanding Amansie’s outreach and customer base.
“Our goal was to develop a scalable product that directly addresses MSME challenges,” said Binyam Ayele. “The Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan delivers exactly that”. Dr. Oliver Schmidt, Senior Project Manager at GOPA AFC, added, “MSMEs needed a simple, flexible, and accessible financing option—this product delivers on all fronts.”
Amansie’s CEO, Freddy Kwakye KYEI, remarked: "At Amansie, we see MSMEs as the heartbeat of our economy—creating jobs and transforming communities. This loan product is more than just funding; it's a catalyst for growth, designed to unlock potential and fuel lasting success. With the invaluable support of GIZ’s PFS Program and GOPA AFC, we’ve turned this vision into reality”.
Cynthia Odonkor, Component Manager under the GIZ PFS Programme, added: “As we launch these two variants of financial products under the ‘Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan’, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting MSMEs. Let us continue to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, growth, and sustainability. I am confident that these products will make a significant impact, helping MSMEs to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of Ghana’s economy.”
Driving Impact: Tailored Financial Solutions for MSME Growth
At GOPA AFC, our initiative is transforming MSME finance in Ghana by focusing on demand-driven financial services designed to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs. Through specialized consultancy and capacity-building, we empower partner financial institutions to offer customer-centric products that fuel MSME growth, foster job creation, and drive sustainable business success.
Progress and Achievements
Our project, focused on strengthening financial institutions to better serve MSMEs, is making significant strides:
- Strong partnerships: We’ve built solid relationships with all nine PFIs, supporting them with market research, competitor analysis, and demand-driven product development.
- Hands-on support: Our team has been directly involved in designing product prototypes, pilot plans, and providing onsite assistance for product testing and rollout.
- Boosting MSMEs: We have engaged with 14 MSME sector associations, helping PFIs market their products and create valuable industry linkages.
Working closely with savings and loans companies, rural and community banks, and microfinance institutions, we remain committed to advancing MSME product development—ensuring entrepreneurs have the financial tools they need to succeed.
For more information, please contact Oliver.Schmidt [at] gopa-afc.de.