As part of its efforts to grow the industry and make sure Ghana stays the world’s top exporter of yam, the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) has announced a package of US$10 million to support yam export.
The announcement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, Lawrence Agyinsam, at a Stakeholder Consultative Forum on Yam Export organised by the bank in Accra. It was under the theme: ‘Facilitating International Trade: The Role of Ghana Exim Bank in Yam Exports’.
According to Mr. Agyinsam, the bank is prepared to provide this financial support to this industry since it is part of its purpose to support and develop commerce between Ghana and other nations, whether directly or indirectly, and increase Ghana’s capacity and competitiveness in the global market.
“The Ghana Export-Import Bank Act, 2016 (Act 911) mandates us to plan, promote, develop and finance export-oriented concerns, as well as provide support for Small and Medium Enterprises engaged in agro-processing and export trade.
In 2020, export of yam tubers reached a record high of US$48million according to data from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), making the country the world’s largest exporter of yam. With this financial package, we are optimistic to improve on the figures and also entrench our position as global leader when it comes to yam export,” he added.
Mr. Agyinsam urged all stakeholders within the yam value chain to be abreast with global trends in the production and export of yam, and ensure they conform to the required processes and meet the globally defined standards and certification for yam export.
