Dr Stephen Amoah, Deputy Minister for Finance has called on African countries to focus on the development and sustainability of SMEs and Start-ups for sustainable future for Africa. "I believe that together we can build a future where African Start-ups and SMEs are at the forefront of global innovation, driving sustainable development and prosperity for all. Let us commit to the vision and work hand in hand to turn in it into reality" Dr Amoah said these when he made a statement on behalf of Ghana during the plenary of the TICAD 9 Ministerial Conference held in Tokyo. He was speaking under the theme "Society: Realizing a sustainable future" based on a broader theme of promoting trade and investment. He said recognizing the crucial role of SMEs and start-ups for inclusive growth and development, the government of Ghana recently launched the 820 million Ghana cedis SME Growth and Opportunity Fund (SME-GO). Dr Amoah called African governments to leverage Japan's development experience and advance technology to empower SMEs to become engines of economic growth and social transformation in Africa.