Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd empowers youth start-ups with workshop in Accra

Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd (OISL) hosted a workshop on 3rd December 2024 in Accra to empower young entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to access loans for their start-up businesses. The initiative, which combines financial services with free advisory support and business skills training, seeks to equip youth-led businesses with the tools to achieve sustainable growth. 

The workshop attracted over 200 participants from various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across five sector associations. Chaired by OISL's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng, the event was graced by senior executives including Chief Risk Officer Dr. Francis Takyi, Chief Operating Officer Mr. Ernest Yerekuu, Chief Finance Officer Mr. Maxwell Selorm Azafokpe, Head of Marketing Mr. Richard Anyamesem, and the Area Head for the South East sector, Mr. James Ephraim.  

Also present were representatives from GIZ, led by Program Manager for the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) program, Dr. Christian Jahn, and GOPA AFC/CDC Consult, represented by Binyam Ayele, alongside influential leaders from MSME sector associations.  

In his keynote address, Mr. Owusu-Boateng reaffirmed OISL’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment through its Youth Start-Up Loans. He stated, “Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd aims not only to provide just financial support to youth-led businesses but also a complete package of support which includes mentorship and capacity-building to ensure young entrepreneurs acquire the needed knowledge, skills, and guidance that will help them navigate the complexities of starting and growing a successful business.”  

He expressed gratitude to GIZ for their partnership in enhancing services for youth start-ups through the GIZ PFS Program, implemented by GOPA AFC/CDC Consult. Mr. Owusu-Boateng noted that the collaboration would maximise the impact of the initiative, especially for MSME sector associations.  

Dr. Christian Jahn, speaking on behalf of GIZ, lauded the Youth Start-Up initiative, highlighting its alignment with GIZ’s mission to enhance employment opportunities and drive economic growth. *“One of GIZ's primary goals is to see young entrepreneurs succeed in starting or expanding their businesses,”* he said, adding that such programs significantly contribute to the broader development of the Ghanaian economy.  

Representing GOPA AFC, Mr. Binyam Ayele underscored the demand for tailored financial products among apprentices and vocational graduates, noting that OISL’s offering was designed to address this gap.  

OISL executives, including Head of Marketing Mr. Richard Anyamesem and Transformation Manager Mrs. Diana Zachari Karikari, provided insights into loan acquisition processes and delivered financial literacy education on savings during the workshop.  

The session concluded with a vibrant question-and-answer segment, where participants explored the product's features and raised relevant concerns.  

In his closing remarks, Mr. Owusu-Boateng thanked the participants for their active engagement and reiterated OISL's commitment to delivering products and services tailored to the needs of its target market.  

Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd is one of nine financial institutions participating in GIZ's PFS capacity-building initiative for MSME product development. Currently operating 38 branches in 10 of Ghana's 16 regions, OISL serves over 660,000 clients nationwide. It is a subsidiary of Opportunity International, a global organisation headquartered in Chicago, USA, providing financial services to more than 20 million clients in 30 countries worldwide.