Floods, fires and extreme weather events are becoming an increasingly harsh reality for small businesses across Ghana — wiping out stock, destroying equipment and pushing entrepreneurs to the brink overnight. To help MSMEs get back on their feet faster, Advans Ghana Savings and Loans has launched the Restart Loan, a facility specifically designed to support businesses in recovering from climate-related shocks and other external disruptions.
Dubbed the ‘Restart Loan’, the offer is designed to support businesses affected by events such as floods, fires and extreme weather conditions, which have become increasingly frequent across the country. The initiative forms part of the institution’s broader strategy to build resilience among its over 140,000 clients nationwide.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, Advans Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume Valence, said the Restart Loan was developed from years of observing the vulnerabilities of clients, particularly those operating in high-risk areas to flooding and fire outbreaks.
“The Restart Loan came from experience. We have seen clients face shocks such as fires, including incidents in major markets, as well as floods and extreme heat. These events can completely disrupt businesses, and we realized the need to go beyond traditional lending to help clients recover quickly,” he noted.
He explained that the offer is anchored on the company’s long-term climate roadmap, which focuses on identifying risks faced by clients and developing practical solutions to address them.
According to him, the Restart Loan is not an improvised intervention but one built through continuous engagement with clients.
Under the facility, affected businesses can access flexible loan durations, discounted interest rates and customized repayment terms to enable them to restock after disasters, and invest in their business facilities to make them more resistant to shocks. The recovery of clients is also strengthened by an existing credit risk insurance scheme, which settles outstanding loans in the event of disasters.
Mr. Valence emphasized that while Advans Ghana continues to provide routine financial services – including loans and savings products – the new offering reinforces its commitment to standing by clients during difficult times. “In business, there are good times and bad times. We want our clients to know that we are their partner through all these phases. Exactly what we are saying in twi as ye kura wo mu,” he added.
The Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Barbara Odei noted that the facility will be offered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the extent of losses and the client’s repayment capacity. Loan amounts and terms will therefore vary depending on individual circumstances.
The Chief Business Development Officer, Seth Micah Nunoo, highlighted the simplicity of accessing the facility, stating that eligible clients only need to contact their relationship officers after experiencing a climate-related event.
Mr. Nunoo stressed that climate change is already having tangible effects on Ghana’s economy, particularly on the informal sector, which constitutes a significant portion of economic activity. “When floods or fires affect these small businesses, it goes beyond individual losses—it impacts livelihoods and the broader economy,” he said. “That is why building resilience is critical.”
He added that the institution has been investing in client education to raise awareness about climate risks and encourage preventive measures. With the Restart Loan, Advans Ghana is positioning itself not only as a financial service provider but also as a long-term partner committed to sustaining the growth and resilience of MSMEs in an increasingly uncertain climate environment.
