Do you work with SMEs directly, or only with development partners?

Both. We work directly with SMEs and private investors who need market intelligence or feasibility analysis, and we are also commissioned by development partners (NGOs, DFIs) whose programmes target private-sector development.

How long does a feasibility study typically take?

A full feasibility study — covering technical, market, financial, and operational dimensions — typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from inception to final report. A faster market-assessment-only study can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. We can discuss phased delivery if a preliminary findings brief is needed earlier.

Can you help with a business plan for a bank or investor?

Yes. We translate the findings of a market research or feasibility study into a business plan structured for the requirements of commercial banks (Ghana Development Bank, Stanbic, Ecobank, etc.) or equity investors. This includes financial projections, sensitivity analysis, and a management narrative.

Do you cover sectors beyond agriculture?

Yes. Our advisory work has touched manufacturing, health services, education, logistics, renewable energy, and urban retail. The analytical methodology is consistent across sectors; we bring in sector specialists as needed.

What makes Devtplan's market research different from a desk study?

We collect primary data. Most low-cost market research in Ghana relies on secondary sources — GSS reports, published sector studies — which are often years out of date and do not capture informal-sector dynamics. Our field surveys reach traders, consumers, and businesses directly, producing current, primary evidence that stands up to scrutiny from a DFI or a sophisticated investor.

Market Research & Feasibility Studies in Ghana

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The same analytical rigour that Devtplan brings to donor-funded research translates directly into business intelligence: market assessments, investment feasibility studies, and strategic plans built on primary field data rather than desktop assumptions. We serve public-sector agencies seeking evidence for policy decisions, development-finance institutions assessing investment viability, SMEs entering new markets, and development partners funding private-sector development programmes.

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What it involves

What does a market research study involve?

A market research study establishes the size, structure, and dynamics of a market: who the buyers and sellers are, what volumes and prices are transacted, what drives purchasing decisions, what barriers limit participation, and what opportunities exist for entry or expansion. We use primary data collection — surveys of businesses, consumers, traders, and service providers — alongside secondary data from the Ghana Statistical Service, sector regulators, and trade associations.

What is a feasibility study and who needs one?

A feasibility study assesses whether a proposed project, investment, or business is viable — technically, financially, commercially, and operationally. It is required by development-finance institutions (DFIs) before committing funds, by SMEs seeking bank finance or investor funding, and by government agencies appraising public investments. Devtplan produces feasibility studies that meet the analytical standards of DFIs and commercial lenders operating in Ghana.

How does strategic planning for a public agency differ from private-sector strategy?

Public-sector strategic plans must serve multiple, sometimes conflicting, stakeholder groups — government, donors, citizens, and sector peers — and must demonstrate alignment with national development frameworks (Ghana MTDPF, SDGs). Private-sector strategy focuses primarily on competitive positioning and financial returns. Devtplan is experienced in both: we adapt our facilitation process and the structure of the resulting plan to the mandate and accountability environment of each client.

Can Devtplan support a value-chain analysis?

Yes. Value-chain analysis traces a product from production through processing, transport, wholesale, and retail to the end consumer, identifying where value is added, where constraints exist, and where interventions could improve the efficiency or equity of the chain. This is particularly relevant for agricultural value chains and manufacturing sectors. We combine field surveys with in-depth interviews with chain actors to produce actionable findings.

03

Methods & approaches

Market research and sector assessments
Investment and business feasibility studies
Value-chain analysis (agricultural, manufacturing, services)
Strategic planning for public agencies and private firms
Business-environment diagnostics and regulatory analysis
Consumer and buyer research
Competitive analysis and market-sizing
Development programme design for private-sector development

Who this service is for

SMEs and investor groups entering Ghanaian markets; development partners funding private-sector development and job-creation programmes; public agencies requiring evidence-based policy; development-finance institutions appraising investment viability.

Related work

01 / 2022

PASEWAY (BMZ)

Endline Evaluation — BMZ PASEWAY Programme

Employment & Youth — Multi-region

02 / 2020

Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development

Review of DPAT Indicators — Volta and Oti Regions

Local Governance — Volta, Oti

03 / 2019

Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly

Local Economic Development Plan — Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly

Local Economic Development — Eastern

View all assignments →

Frequently asked questions

Do you work with SMEs directly, or only with development partners?: Both. We work directly with SMEs and private investors who need market intelligence or feasibility analysis, and we are also commissioned by development partners (NGOs, DFIs) whose programmes target private-sector development.
How long does a feasibility study typically take?: A full feasibility study — covering technical, market, financial, and operational dimensions — typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from inception to final report. A faster market-assessment-only study can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. We can discuss phased delivery if a preliminary findings brief is needed earlier.
Can you help with a business plan for a bank or investor?: Yes. We translate the findings of a market research or feasibility study into a business plan structured for the requirements of commercial banks (Ghana Development Bank, Stanbic, Ecobank, etc.) or equity investors. This includes financial projections, sensitivity analysis, and a management narrative.
Do you cover sectors beyond agriculture?: Yes. Our advisory work has touched manufacturing, health services, education, logistics, renewable energy, and urban retail. The analytical methodology is consistent across sectors; we bring in sector specialists as needed.
What makes Devtplan's market research different from a desk study?: We collect primary data. Most low-cost market research in Ghana relies on secondary sources — GSS reports, published sector studies — which are often years out of date and do not capture informal-sector dynamics. Our field surveys reach traders, consumers, and businesses directly, producing current, primary evidence that stands up to scrutiny from a DFI or a sophisticated investor.