MTN Business reaffirms support for SMEs through digital transformation and capacity building
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 as part of the SME Accelerate programme in Tamale, Senior Manager for SME Sales, Partnerships and Business Broadband, Abubakar-Sadiq Mohammed, said SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing about 70 percent of GDP and 85 percent of employment, making the sector critical to the country’s socio-economic development.
He explained that MTN Business launched its flagship SME Accelerate programme to address key challenges facing SMEs, including limited digital adoption, inadequate access to funding, weak online presence, branding and packaging gaps, and financial literacy.
According to him, the company is committed to equipping entrepreneurs with digital tools, business skills and information on financing opportunities, including solutions linked to MTN’s mobile money ecosystem.
Mohammed disclosed that more than 1,000 SMEs have been trained under the programme since its inception, with plans to train at least 1,500 businesses this year through business clinics and mentorship programmes.
This year’s business clinic was held on the theme “Building a strong business model through unique branding.”
He noted that women-owned businesses remain a priority for MTN, as women manage an estimated 51 percent of SMEs in Ghana. To support female entrepreneurs, MTN has introduced the Adwumapa package, which offers affordable voice, data and SMS services together with value-added benefits such as Doctor on Call telehealth services and insurance protection against unforeseen events such as fire outbreaks.
MTN also announced plans to organise a larger edition of its SMEGA Awards to recognise outstanding SMEs and increase their visibility.
Looking ahead, Mohammed identified agribusiness, leatherworks, crafts and shea butter production as key growth sectors in northern Ghana, stressing that improved packaging, branding and market access could help local products compete more effectively in international markets.
Some participants who spoke to the media described the clinic as highly beneficial. Tijani Aishetu, who produces reusable sanitary pads, said the branding session was particularly useful because it changed her perspective on how customers perceive a brand. She expressed gratitude to MTN for the opportunity to learn and improve her business.
Ignacio Sabogu, a stationery business owner, also described the training as a valuable learning experience, saying it helped him identify common business mistakes and better understand the importance of knowing competitors and their influence on business success.
He said the insights gained have provided practical solutions to challenges facing his business and thanked MTN for the opportunity to participate.
Story by Ibrahim Angaaangmeni Alhassan/zaaradio.com
