On Thursday, 7th November 2024, the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Assembly (BABMA) in partnership with Rainforest Alliance (RA) and the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) hosted a Business Forum and Exhibition under the theme “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Enterprise Development.” This event, part of the EU-funded LEAN project, aimed to promote environmental sustainability and empower smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to build resilience to climate change.
The forum brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities for innovation, enterprise growth, and economic resilience. Presentations from Rainforest Alliance highlighted sustainable farming practices, while GEA and the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) shared their efforts in empowering local businesses through skills training, financial support, and development services. An exhibition showcased products from various fields, including baking, aquaculture, and herbal medicine.
Two panel discussions focused on enterprise development and regulatory support, with input from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The event concluded with an inspection of the exhibition, demonstrating the innovation and resilience of local entrepreneurs.
This forum successfully strengthened collaborations, promoted knowledge-sharing, and laid the foundation for future efforts to enhance the livelihoods of entrepreneurs and farmers in the region.