MTN Business strengthens support for SMEs with digital and financial inclusion drive

MTN Business has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through expanded capacity-building, digital transformation initiatives, and financial inclusion programmes aimed at accelerating business growth across Ghana.

Speaking at an SME capacity-building event, the Senior Manager for SME Sales, Partnerships and Business Broadband at MTN Business, Abubakari Sidick Mohammed, said SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing about 70 percent of GDP and 85 percent of employment. He described the sector as critical to the country’s socio-economic development.

Mr. Mohammed explained that MTN Business introduced its flagship SME Accelerate Programme to address key challenges facing small businesses, including low digital adoption, limited access to funding, weak online presence, branding and packaging gaps, and poor financial literacy.

He stressed that as SMEs grow, Ghana also grows, adding that MTN is committed to equipping entrepreneurs with digital tools, business skills, and information on financing opportunities linked to the company’s mobile money ecosystem.

According to him, more than 1,000 SMEs have been trained since the programme began, and MTN plans to train at least 1,500 businesses this year through business clinics and mentorship programmes.

The business clinic was held under the theme “Building a Strong Business Model through Unique Branding.”
Mr. Mohammed noted that women-owned businesses remain a priority, citing estimates that women manage about 51 percent of SMEs in Ghana.

To support female entrepreneurs, MTN has introduced the Adwumapa Package, which offers affordable voice, data, and SMS services, as well as telehealth support through Doctor on Call and insurance protection against unforeseen events such as fire outbreaks.

MTN also announced plans to organize a bigger edition of the SMEGA Awards to recognize and celebrate outstanding SMEs and increase their visibility.

Looking ahead, Mr. Mohammed identified agribusiness, leatherworks, crafts, and shea butter production as key growth sectors in northern Ghana, saying improved packaging, branding, and market access could help local products compete in international markets.

Some participants described the clinic as impactful. Tijani Aishetu, who produces reusable sanitary pads, said the branding session changed her perspective by emphasizing the importance of understanding how customers perceive a brand.

Ignacio Sabogu, a stationery business owner, said the training helped him identify common business mistakes and provided practical solutions to challenges facing his business.

Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku