Ghana EximBank has reiterated its commitment to helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) become globally competitive, stressing that its mandate goes far beyond providing loans and credit facilities. The bank made this known ahead of the This is Ghana Exhibition, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, to Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, September 5, Irene Austin, Deputy Manager for Corporate Affairs at Ghana EximBank, explained that the institution’s role is to nurture businesses for both local and international markets. “Ghana EximBank was set up to develop businesses for export and to make Ghana competitive on the international market. We do this by supporting SMEs. So, it is in line that EximBank is fully involved in the ‘This is Ghana’ Exhibition,” she said. She noted that while many people associate the bank mainly with loan disbursement, its work begins much earlier by helping SMEs refine their products to meet global standards. “Before you even get the credit facility, we ask: what are you producing, and in what quality? Our fundamental objective is to make sure that we stay competitive in the international market. Exhibitions like this help us identify those who truly need support,” she added. Beneficiaries of EximBank’s initiatives also shared their experiences. Kwame Ansah, Head of Operations at Alpha Natural Deodorant, commended the bank’s consistent support: “We have been in business for five years, and EximBank has been a pillar in our lives. They have granted us free exhibition opportunities for years, and in some cases, even traveled with us to showcase our products. That is how we’ve been able to expand our reach across the country,” he said. Similarly, Akua Agyampomaa Larbi, CEO of Mpampa Cereals, credited the bank for transforming her business since 2021. “My first encounter with EximBank was through their Tuesday Market initiative. We started with paper pouches, but today, we have beautifully branded packages thanks to their guidance. Beyond funding, they also bring institutions like the FDA to educate us. It is a whole package they take SMEs through,” she explained. The This is Ghana Exhibition, with EximBank as one of its major sponsors, continues to provide SMEs with a vital platform to network, showcase their products, and access key institutional support.