- \n
- Women in e-commerce: emphasises our commitment to gender equity and empowering women. This project strives to accelerate and maintain the progress and success of women in the e-commerce and digital economy. We endeavour to provide opportunities and resources for women entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital marketplace, enhancing economic empowerment and overall wellbeing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Business Supply Chain Development: works towards developing the capabilities of local businesses in Obuasi, aiming to improve their ability to secure contracts and meet requirements required by AngloGold Ashanti\u2019s Obuasi Mine. Simultaneously, it aims to strengthen and enhance our supply chain networks, ensuring seamless operations and increased efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Artisans to Entrepreneurs Project: which aims to develop the skills of our younger artisans in Obuasi, working to grow their income levels through training in vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. Through the A2E project, which seeks to upskill the youth who work as artisans in selected trade areas (electricians, welders, fabrication, plumbing, etc.), the aim is develop people into business minded trades persons who can establish themselves as sustainable SME owners, increase their income and create jobs. We also want to help preserve traditional technical and vocational trades, while nurturing a sustainable environment that recognises the contributions of Obuasi\u2019s skilled artisans to local economic growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Central to the initiative has been the launch of the inaugural two-day Industry\/Business Exposure Tour<\/em>, a key component of the BAST Project. The BAST project, developed in consultation with the Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East District Assemblies, aligns with Obuasi Mine\u2019s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan from 2022 to 2031.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reports.anglogoldashanti.com\/23\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SME-soap-making-and-baking-final-products-scaled.jpg\")
\nThroughout the Business Exposure Tour, 25 beneficiary SME leaders from diverse industries in Obuasi had the opportunity to exchange knowledge, network and build partnerships. This experience involved meetings with several successful business leaders in Ghana.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Sustainability Manager at Obuasi Mine and Head of Community Relations, emphasised the strategic significance of each of the four projects, highlighting their potential to direct the focus of Obuasi communities, and local youth groups to build sustainable livelihoods outside the conventional operational confines of the mining industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative encourages entrepreneurial skills in local communities. It expands market opportunities for local businesses, facilitates access to finance and broader markets for SMEs, and builds enduring business partnerships between Obuasi Mine and the local enterprises, while simultaneously stimulating job creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SMEs are essential contributors to Ghana\u2019s economy, providing 60% of GDP and 80% of private sector employment opportunities. Key to the partnership is that Absa Ghana is positioned to provide financing to selected businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThe success of this excellent initiative will thrive on collaboration and will depend not only on Absa and AngloGold Ashanti meeting their committed obligations but also on the participation of 150 SMEs which will benefit from this project.”<\/em>
Audrey Abakah, of Absa Bank Ghana<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLocal SME representative Andrew Dwomoh highlighted how the initiatives provided job creation opportunities to alleviate poverty in host communities. Dwomoh emphasised the essential role access to finance plays in revitalising and driving small businesses in Obuasi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Artisans to Entrepreneurs Project: which aims to develop the skills of our younger artisans in Obuasi, working to grow their income levels through training in vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. Through the A2E project, which seeks to upskill the youth who work as artisans in selected trade areas (electricians, welders, fabrication, plumbing, etc.), the aim is develop people into business minded trades persons who can establish themselves as sustainable SME owners, increase their income and create jobs. We also want to help preserve traditional technical and vocational trades, while nurturing a sustainable environment that recognises the contributions of Obuasi\u2019s skilled artisans to local economic growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Business Supply Chain Development: works towards developing the capabilities of local businesses in Obuasi, aiming to improve their ability to secure contracts and meet requirements required by AngloGold Ashanti\u2019s Obuasi Mine. Simultaneously, it aims to strengthen and enhance our supply chain networks, ensuring seamless operations and increased efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n