Takoradi, GHANA — As part of a program to improve the competitiveness of local businesses, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Ghana held a conference in the Western Region on December 14 for stakeholders in the oil and gas sector. At the conference, participants shared lessons learned and best practices and highlighted the achievements of local businesses in the industry. USAID/Ghana Mission Director Sharon L. Cromer; Project Coordinator (Local Content in Petroleum Activities) for the Ministry of Energy Afua Amissah; Program Director of USAID Ghana Supply Chain Development Program KB Wilson; business service providers; small and medium enterprises; and international oil companies attended the event.
The conference was held under the theme “promoting sustainable partnerships for economic transformation” and served as a platform for both local enterprises and business service providers to network with key players in the oil and gas industry. The event featured panel discussions on opportunities within the industry; improving the competitiveness of local enterprises; and building strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable development.
“Increasing the participation of small and medium businesses is crucial to enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in the oil and gas industry. This involves building the skills and expertise of local businesses to gain from opportunities within the sector,” remarked USAID/Ghana Mission Director Sharon L. Cromer. “Increasing local content can encourage the development of expertise and create more business opportunities. To drive future expansion, the private sector must take the lead and continue supporting the growth of local businesses to meet the needs of international oil companies.”
The event was organized by USAID’s Supply Chain Development (SCD) Program. SCD works to enhance economic opportunities for local Ghanaian enterprises and business service providers. To date, the program has helped local businesses win 78 contracts with oil and gas companies worth more than $18 million. The objective of program is to improve the competitiveness of local businesses and create market linkages between local and international businesses in the oil and gas.
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About USAID
USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID has supported Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to quality basic education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people.
