This is Ghana Exhibition: 20 talking points from four revolutionary SME seminars

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must prioritise proper documentation to gain a competitive edge in securing contracts and deals.

This was the key message conveyed by speakers at the 2024 This is Ghana Exhibition Seminar for SMEs organised by Channel One TV and Citi FM on Saturday, August 31, 2024 and Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

The two-day seminar brought together hundreds of participants and covered crucial topics including packaging products for the export market, utilizing digital marketing to boost revenue, managing finances effectively, and accessing opportunities in Ghana’s oil and gas industry.

The seminars brought to the fore strategies that could empower SMEs to thrive in the increasingly competitive and globalized markets as well as build resilience against changing business shocks.

Here are 20 key insights from the seminars that could be shaping the future of small and medium enterprises:

Packaging For Export Market Seminar

The seminar was on strategies for preparing indigenous products to meet international standards when exporting. The facilitator was Dr. Hellie Gonu, Head of Research at NKAKA and Partners. 

1. Eco-friendly innovations for packaging ie. ESG, sustainable, reusable and recyclable materials
2. Communicating your brand value when packaging
3. Complying with diverse international regulatory standards
4. Be guided by country-specific or cultural sensitivity ie. EU market, China or US market regulations
5. Designing packaging strategies for global appeal

Digital Sales Seminar: Marketing to Increase Revenue

The seminar focused on how SMEs can leverage online platforms to enhance revenue streams. The facilitator was Dr. Raphael Odoom, Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS).

1. Customising your social media platforms
2. Understanding market niche and audience demographics to provide tailored content
3. Working with suitable, authentic and credible influencers
4. Engaging customers on social media for better rates
5. Never be afraid to post products or services multiple times

Managing Your Finances Seminar

This particular seminar provided titbits on the best practices for effectively managing business finances with Charles Mensch, CEO of Trust Consult being the facilitator. 

1. Keeping an eye on cash flow
2. Having the right financial planning framework
3. Maintaining accurate and financial records
4. Ensuring tax compliance
5. Establishing clear invoicing and payment terms

Oil and Gas Seminar- Harnessing Opportunities

This seminar explored avenues for SMEs to tap into Ghana’s growing oil and gas sector. The facilitator was Priscilla Antwi Boasiako, Head of Strategy and Technology Transfer, Petroleum Commission. 

1. Identifying areas of interest ie. Licensing, Exploration, Appraisal, Decommissioning etc
2. Getting the right oil & gas certifications and permits
3. Tendering ‘bankable’ proposals with sufficient security and collateral
4. Having an effective Health, Safety & Environmental policy
5. Engaging in joint ventures, strategic alliances and partnerships

The “This is Ghana Exhibition” was powered by Channel One TV and Citi FM and proudly sponsored by MTN, KOA Natural, Ghana Gas, Ghana Pay, Built Financial Technologies, Peeva Beverages, Global Shea Alliance, Eximbank Ghana, National Petroleum Commission, and Aramex Logistics.