Development Bank Ghana (DBG) has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) in a move that underscores the financial institution’s commitment to advancing development finance and supporting youth-led businesses, promoting corporate social responsibility, undertaking research and driving policy reforms.
This collaboration comes at a time when there is a renewed focus on leveraging the power of partnerships to drive growth, innovation and impact across industries and sectors.
As part of the partnership, DBG seeks to enhance its thought leadership capabilities by tapping into the expertise of UGBS’ faculty, students and alumni, as well as by leveraging the institution’s research capabilities and industry connections. The collaboration will provide DBG with a platform to showcase its leadership and expertise in development finance, while also promoting best practices and new thinking in this field. Through this partnership, DBG seeks to open up discussions, stimulate research and engage in knowledge-sharing to foster economic growth, create jobs and build capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.
DBG’s focus on supporting youth-led businesses is a key component of its mandate. The institution recognizes the importance of young entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and development, and aims to provide them with access to long-term capital and de-risking services, underpinned by technology and evidence-based research/insights. As part of the partnership, DBG will support the awarding of degrees in development finance to graduate students and offer internships to MSC development finance students. In addition, DBG will offer scholarships for underprivileged candidates who are interested in development finance, providing a pathway for talented young people to pursue careers in this field.
The partnership with UGBS will also provide an opportunity for DBG’s leadership to share their practical real-life experiences with students, serving as guest lecturers in the business school. This will offer students the chance to gain insights and perspectives from industry leaders and experts, building their knowledge and capacity in development finance.
The Roundtable Meeting, themed “Deepening Development Finance Knowledge, Innovations and Impact”, is a key highlight of the partnership between DBG and UGBS. The event featured prominent speakers such as Mr. Michael Mensah-Baah, Deputy CEO of DBG, Mr. Daniel Addo, CEO of CBG and Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, Associate Professor of Finance at UGBS.
DBG’s mission to foster strong partnerships to finance economic growth, create jobs and build capacity for SMEs is a critical component of its mandate. The institution’s focus on promoting Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) excellence within the businesses it supports is also commendable, as it underscores the importance of responsible and sustainable business practices in driving development.
The partnership between DBG and UGBS is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving growth and innovation. Through this partnership, both institutions will be able to leverage their respective strengths and expertise to drive impact and achieve sustainable development goals. This partnership serves as an example for other institutions and organizations to follow, highlighting the importance of working together to drive positive change and promote economic growth and development.
