Ghana could accrue some US$5 billion from Impact Enterprises by 2030 should government pass policies and provide a regulated environment for such businesses.
This is according to UK based consultants of impact investments, the Global Steering Group for Impact investment,(GSG).
Impact Enterprises are companies that have the objective to create maximum positive impact on the public and environment while making returns.
In Ghana, such businesses operate within the health, education and environmental sectors.
There are currently dozens of Impact Businesses in the country.
However, most of these businesses are operating within very low budget with limited investments.
“If we take bold steps and bold actions, If we use the dormant accounts for instance those accounts that we have forgotten. If we use for instance that money towards impact and create for instance a social investment bank, we can really improve the amount of capital that must go to entrepreneurs that can create impact,” said Krisztina Tora, Market Development Director at Global Steering Group for Impact Investment at the Ghana Impact Dialogue held in Accra.
According to her, government will benefit immensely should it provide funds for such businesses.
“In Ghana institutions such as the Venture Capital Trust Fund are the institutions which support the social enterprises eco system but with a cap from government. The fund is only able to provide financial support to just a handful of such businesses, “noted madam Tora.
Ghana’s social enterprise Eco system has been described as very vibrant with about 80 percent of impact enterprise businesses being operated by women and people below 35 years.
Madam Tora added “ one thing we can do is how the economy can help those businesses to formal and to grow. These enterprises are located in rural areas and need capital to help them improve their business. ”
Meanwhile the Venture Capital Trust Fund is calling for a policy that will help measure the level of impact these businesses make so at to provide the necessary support to them.
By Nana Oye Ankrah/Citibusinessnews.com/Ghana