The Ghanaian financial landscape is poised for a significant transformation with the recent launch of comprehensive guidelines for investment-based crowdfunding. This milestone marks a collaborative effort between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Ghana and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and signifies a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and active investment ecosystem. The guidelines developed under the GrEEn project with funding support from the European Union Emergency Trust Fund (EUTF) for Africa is aimed at empowering businesses, safeguarding investors, and propelling Ghana towards a future of innovation and economic opportunity.

Prior to the development of clear regulations, crowdfunding in Ghana faced significant uncertainty. Promising businesses struggled to secure funding, while potential investors lacked the necessary confidence to participate. UNCDF played a pivotal role in unlocking this potential. First, UNCDF provided funding and technical assistance to test and pilot various crowdfunding solutions as documented in our blog which delved into the critical lessons and significant milestones after three years of implementing the GrEEn project

These pilots brought to the fore the complexity of the crowdfunding space, cutting across different touchpoints that include not only crowdfunding platforms, but also fund managers, investors and regulation. Our role in contributing to developing the investment-based crowdfunding guidelines naturally stemmed from our expertise, allowing us to provide technical assistance to the SEC. The journey that UNCDF undertook to support the regulators in this achievement are documented here. These guidelines aim to bridge the gap and establish a robust framework that fosters trust and transparency within the crowdfunding ecosystem.

“As we unveil these Guidelines, we are not only addressing the financing gap faced by MSMEs and startups but also ushering in a new era of financial inclusion and investment opportunities”, said Reverand Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, Director General of the SEC. He further emphasized the multifaceted nature of crowdfunding “We recognize that crowdfunding is not just about raising capital; it is about building communities, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.” He further elaborated that the guidelines align with Ghana’s National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy and will ultimately make capital markets more accessible to all Ghanaians, positioning Ghana as an emerging hub for crowdfunding in Africa.

The guidelines, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and following extensive consultations and technical assistance support of Lelapa African FinTech Advisory provide a viable platform where anyone with a brilliant idea can connect with a network of potential investors to pool resources and bring their vision to life. It will fuel innovation across diverse sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to renewable energy and social impact initiatives.

The potential benefits of these guidelines therefore extend far beyond simply providing alternative financing avenues. Specifically, it will offer Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups a critical lifeline by providing them viable funding sources to grow their aspirations. With a view to prioritizing investor safety, the guidelines require crowdfunding platforms to provide clear and comprehensive information about investment risks and potential returns, allowing individuals to make informed investment decisions. Further, the regulatory framework will foster competition, drive down costs, and encourage the development of innovative solutions for businesses seeking to raise capital. Ultimately, the guidelines will enable crowdfunding to open doors for traditionally excluded groups to participate in the investment landscape, promoting financial inclusion.

The emphasis on financial inclusion and digital transformation fostered by these crowdfunding guidelines aligns perfectly with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Ghana. This framework serves as the nation’s strategic blueprint for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prioritizes partnerships, innovation, and inclusive growth. Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, further underscored this alignment in his remarks at the launch. “Crowdfunding, with its ability to democratize finance and empower individuals to contribute to causes they believe in, is one such mechanism. By enabling the aggregation of small contributions from many individuals, crowdfunding can help finance projects that drive economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.”

With the guidelines launched, the critical next step for SEC and UNCDF is to continue their strong collaboration for its effective implementation. This aligns perfectly with UNCDF’s mandate and ambitions to “crowd-in” finance where it is most needed. By mobilizing and catalyzing an increase of capital flows for SDGs impactful investments to Member States such as Ghana, the most pressing development challenges faced by vulnerable communities in these countries will be addressed thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity. This will involve attracting additional resources to support the large-scale implementation of the guidelines. This focus on sustainability ensures the long-term viability of the crowdfunding ecosystem, ultimately guaranteeing broader financial inclusion for all Ghanaians in the digital age.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

Mr. and Mrs. Kintu* are among the few medical personnel that contracted Ebola virus disease while in the line of duty in 2022. Fortunately, the timely and aggressive medical care that they received while admitted in the Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) coupled with mutual support saved their lives.

At the end of 2022, a patient visited the couple’s clinic with body pain and headache. After several laboratory tests, he was prescribed anti-malaria medication and sent home. He returned the next day looking even worse. On the third day, he got a nosebleed, which prompted the couple to refer him to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Unfortunately, they later learned that he had succumbed to Ebola Virus disease.

Despite being health care workers, the couple was scared. They knew they had been exposed to the Ebola virus. The health authorities later closed their clinic as the couple self-quarantined at their home.

During the first few days of the contact tracing period, the couple developed signs of Ebola virus disease. They were both tested positive to the disease. They were then evacuated to the Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU), leaving their lovely children with a relative.

“It was a bit difficult to explain to the children. We only told them we had gone somewhere,’’ Mrs Kintu narrated.

In the ETU, Mrs Kintu’s situation deteriorated quite fast. Her husband would check on her, encourage her to eat and sometimes take her outside on the grass to get some fresh air. “I used to tell her she was going to be fine,” explains Mr. Kintu.

Suddenly, he stopped going to her and was reported to have worsened. “I looked for him and even walked past him, I could not recognize him. In those 2-3 days, he had become a different person.” Mrs. Kintu narrated.

“Ebola virus disease patients may have a clinical presentation that is completely different from another,” explains Dr. Senyonga Muzafalu, Case Management Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Uganda. “While she had symptoms such as severe headache and high-grade fever, her husband started with mild symptoms of mild body aches, mild headache, and mild fever that progressed into very severe ones and lasting for a long time.”

Later, Mrs Kintu tested negative and was eligible for discharge but did not accept to leave alone. “I told the heath care workers that we had entered the ETU together and we will leave together.” Mrs Kintu proudly explained. She stayed by his side on her mat, giving him at least a spoon of food, or a sip of juice.

To tackle issues faced by people recovering from Ebola, Uganda set up the Ebola Survivors Programme in 2023. The programme was implemented by the Ministry of Health with the support of WHO and other partners.

WHO, through funding from the European Union Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), has supported this programme since its inception. The organization has provided clinical support and interim public health staff to run clinics, as well as a range of medicines to manage the after-effects of Ebola. It also supported infection prevention and control assessments and mentoring and facilitated specialist involvement in the survivor clinics.

After discharge from ETU, the couple enrolled into the Ebola survivors’ programme. Thanks to awareness provided through this programme, the beneficiaries have improved their knowledge of the disease. “I would like this program to continue even after Ebola. Some people have been cured of COVID-19 but are still suffering the effects. A programme like this would have helped them,’ explains Mrs. Kintu.

The fact that both parents have stopped working has been difficult for the Kintu family. They had dependents, including school going children. This is where Mrs Kintu makes her only criticism of the Ebola survivor programme. While other survivors received a package of food and money while being reintegrated, she did not. “This package would have been of great help,” she said.

On the other hand, the couple stresses that access to healthcare workers, advice, frequent check-ups, and viral persistence monitoring have been beneficial to them.

“Protection for health care workers is a top priority for the government of Uganda. They should remain vigilant and always have protective equipment, whether there is an outbreak or not,” explains Dr Kyobe Bbosa, the Incident Commander at the Ministry of Health.

In weathering the disease and resettling back into their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Kintu are glad to have each other.

 *Names changed to protect identity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

In Amhara region, Ethiopia, where communities have long battled the harsh impacts of drought and disease outbreaks, a transformative initiative has taken root. It began with a coalition of global health partners—World Health Organization, European Commission Humanitarian Aid, the United States Agency for International Development, and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund —joining hands with local authorities to address a pressing issue: acute malnutrition among children.

Amidst the challenges posed by frequent droughts affecting over 1.8 million people, the need for robust nutrition surveillance became evident. In 2023, only 52.2% of the region was covered by nutrition screenings, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare response. Determined to change this narrative, a comprehensive training program was launched. Over three intensive days, more than 1,350 healthcare workers, ranging from seasoned professionals to dedicated community health workers, gathered to learn the intricacies of nutrition surveillance.

Led by experts from WHO and supported by the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, the training delved into data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Practical sessions equipped participants with the skills needed to conduct effective nutrition screenings and to identify early signs of malnutrition among vulnerable populations.

The impact of this initiative was swift and profound. Within weeks, healthcare workers began to report a surge in admissions to therapeutic feeding programs. Children who previously suffered silently from severe malnutrition were now receiving timely medical attention, thanks to improved detection and swift referrals facilitated by the newly trained health workers.

One such success story involved Fatima, a two-year-old girl from a remote village in the drought-affected zone. During a routine nutrition screening conducted by a local health extension worker, Fatima was identified as severely malnourished. Swift action was taken: she was immediately referred to a nearby health center where she received life-saving treatment. Today, Fatima is thriving, a testament to the power of early detection and coordinated healthcare efforts.

Reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Ahmed, a public health officer involved in the program, remarked, “The collaboration between international partners and local authorities has been crucial in revitalizing our approach to healthcare. By integrating nutrition surveillance into routine health services, we are not just treating illnesses but preventing them—a paradigm shift in our region.”

As the program continues to expand its reach, there is optimism about its long-term impact on community health resilience. The story of Fatima and countless others like her serves as a driving force, illustrating how proactive intervention and collaborative efforts can save lives and pave the way for a healthier future in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

The African Union (AU) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa at the 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI). The event took place on July 9, 2024, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The United Republic of Tanzania’s Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Abdallah H. Ulega, delivered a statement at the 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI-36) – High-Level Event taking stock on 10 years of the voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). He expressed gratitude to FAO for its commitment to supporting the implementation of the SSF Guidelines through continued collaboration with all stakeholders, including governments, African Union, small-scale fishers, fish workers, civil society organizations, research and academia, private sector, and donor community.

He noted that the SSF Guidelines were endorsed by the 31st Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI-31) in 2014 as the first internationally agreed instrument dedicated entirely to the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries sector. Today, the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines is an opportunity to assess its impact, share good practices on its implementation, and confirm the way forward in the context of Blue Transformation.

In his remarks, he noted that Africa also marks the 10th anniversary of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Africa’s Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS), developed through a broad participatory process and endorsed in 2014 by African Heads of States and Governments. The PFRS serves as a blueprint for ensuring the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, and AU-IBAR, in collaboration with AUDA NEPAD, will hold a side event to reflect on the past, present, and future through the lens of PFRS and the African Union Agenda 2063.

It was further elaborated that Africa has actively supported the establishment of organizations to unite women in the small-scale fisheries value chain, recognizing their significant role in harvesting, processing, and trading. These organizations provide a platform for women to voice concerns, share best practices, and advocate for policies that support their rights and contribute to the sector. Africa has also played a leading role in hosting the first-ever African continent Small-Scale Fisheries Summit, attended by over 470 delegates from 33 AU Member States, Government Representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The Summit urged member states to domesticate the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, prepare and implement National Plans of Action for SSF Guidelines, facilitate a participatory reflection and review of the PFRS implementation, continue promoting and resourcing SSF through high-level policy dialogues, and facilitate a mechanism for identifying member states interested in hosting the Africa SSF Summit every two years.

Background 
Fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in Africa’s development, significantly contributing to GDP, livelihoods, and food security. The sector’s gross value-added is estimated at USD 21 billion, making up 1.26% of Africa’s GDP. By 2063, fisheries and aquaculture are projected to employ 17.7 million people. Small-scale fisheries, which account for over 60% of Africa’s fisheries production, are vital for human consumption and rural livelihoods.

The AU’s interventions in this sector are guided by the PFRS, a blueprint endorsed by African Heads of State and Government in 2014 to improve governance, food security, and wealth creation. The PFRS aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), envisioning an inclusive and sustainable blue economy for Africa’s transformation and growth.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PFRS. Commemorative activities include the Africa Regional Small-Scale Fisheries Summit held in June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the 36th COFI Session in Rome. These events highlight the PFRS’s role in guiding decision-making and fostering consistency in Africa’s fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy.

Rationale
The AU, through AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD, implemented the FishGov1 Project from 2014 to 2018, funded by the European Union. This project aimed to enhance governance in fisheries and aquaculture by aligning national and regional policies with the PFRS. FishGov1 supported several AU Member States in policy alignment, promoting sector coordination and coherence.

Currently, the FishGov2 Project continues this work, supporting sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa. The project targets enhancing food security, livelihoods, and wealth creation, aligning policies with the PFRS, and ensuring Africa’s effective participation in international forums.

The workshop highlighted the PFRS’s influence on decision-making and sector development, raising socio-economic awareness, updating delegates on AU interventions, and sharing best practices. The meeting hosted up to 100 delegates from AU Member States and the international community attending the 36th COFI in Rome. The agenda included presentations, interactive discussions, and engagements on key issues, and the distribution of publicity and communication materials. This commemorative event underscores the AU’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, celebrating a decade of progress and planning for future achievements in alignment with the PFRS and AU Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).