A comprehensive digital skills training programme for Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enable them become more agile and resilient has been launched in Accra.

The training was launched in partnership between Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and Expertise France. The programme is to train and build capacity in digital techniques of MSMEs and improve the performance of their staff.

It will support participants to integrate and apply knowledge gained from the training on their businesses.

GNCCI’s president, Clement Osei-Amoako, expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for the cooperation agreement signed on 25th August, 2021 with Expertise France.

He said they found the collaboration more compelling because technology continues to be a dominant force in driving economic growth that requires conscious efforts to build their human resources with requisite skills to drive digital transformation and growth of businesses.

In all, the training programme’s first phase drew 92 participants, with over half being women.

“Generally, participants were excited about the opportunity to develop their digital skills and resolved to follow through the requirements to ensure COVID-19-adjusted business growth and resilience,” he said.

Mr. Osei-Amoako said SMEs were the hardest hit by COVID-19 and require the provision of bespoke business solutions and policy-initiatives to support their rebound.

Jérémie Pellet, Chief Executive of Expertise France, on his part said the programme to be implemented by his outfit will result in the development of skills and digital content among MSMEs.

He said the programme launch is timely and will yield important results for Ghana’s private sector resilience as more than 800 participants are expected to be trained.

He said companies which participated will also be able to enrol on the digital platforms after the training to enhance their online visibility, boost their credibility and facilitate cross-border transactions.

The CEO said post workshop mentorship and coaching support will also be provided to ensure a better ownership of trained participants.

He said the Chamber is one of their partners as they implement the African Caribbean and Pacific-European Union Programme of Digital Response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr. Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo, a Consultant to the Programme, said the training will enable participants to understand financial options and opportunities for business growth and expansion.

He said the programme targetted 50 percent participants to be women, who will be introduced to digital transformation and coached to develop digital transformation plans for their businesses.

He said it is expected that businesses will understand, identify and leverage digital platforms which enable them to affirm credibility, enhance visibility and process transactions.

The Consultant said the training will enable the MSMEs to take advantage of the opportunities available to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement as well.

Among other things, the training session will focus on digital business analysis, digital project management, digital product management, digital marketing and social media management.

Other areas are digital design and data visualization; handling information and content; being safe and legal online; online transacting; data science and data analytics; and alternative funding strategies.