MTN Ghana, in partnership with Sanlam Allianz, has organized a transformative SME Business Clinic in Kumasi to empower 120 entrepreneurs with digital tools, financial solutions, and business management skills aimed at strengthening the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Ashanti Region.
The clinic formed part of MTN’s flagship SME Accelerate Programme, which seeks to provide capacity building, promote financial inclusion, and equip businesses with innovative digital solutions to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Beneficiaries included members of tailoring and dressmaking associations, trade groups, and sole proprietors from various sectors within Kumasi and its surrounding communities.
Speaking at the event, Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Mr. Abubakari Sidick, said the clinic concept was introduced because SMEs often require targeted and practical interventions to address their unique challenges. He explained that MTN recognizes the critical role small businesses play in Ghana’s economy and remains committed to supporting their growth through knowledge transfer and digital innovation.
“This is the fourth SME Clinic we have organized in Kumasi. We are focused on identifying businesses that are contributing meaningfully to the economy and equipping them with the skills and resources they need to overcome pressing challenges such as access to finance, insurance, and stock protection. SMEs are the heartbeat of Ghana’s economic development, and their sustainability is a shared responsibility,” he noted.
The partnership with Sanlam Allianz was a major highlight of the programme, as the financial services provider introduced participants to tailor-made insurance and investment packages that safeguard business operations against unforeseen risks. Ernestina Nana Adwoa Oyelaran, Head of Business Development and Distribution (Corporate and Commercial) at Sanlam Allianz, reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to entrepreneurs, stressing that empowering SMEs is central to national growth.
“SMEs are the backbone of every economy, and they deserve support to grow and flourish. These entrepreneurs invest their money, energy, and creativity into building businesses that feed families and create jobs. It is therefore crucial that their investments, stock, and efforts are protected. That is why our partnership with MTN is so important—we want them to live and work with confidence,” she said.
The SME Business Clinic went beyond classroom-style training to provide a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services at the SME Fair, an exhibition designed to enhance market access and visibility for local entrepreneurs. It also created a networking environment where SMEs could exchange ideas, form partnerships, and build lasting business relationships.
Participants described the clinic as an eye-opener that transformed their approach to running businesses. Many noted that they had gained valuable lessons in record-keeping, digital adoption, customer engagement, and financial management. One entrepreneur remarked that the training had changed their perception of small enterprises, saying, “We have learned that the size of a business does not determine its importance. The clinic has been very impactful in showing us how to protect and grow what we have.”
The SME Business Clinic was held as part of MTN’s broader SME Month initiative, which features training workshops, digital skills development sessions, and access to innovative tools designed to make small businesses more competitive. Through this initiative, MTN is driving the adoption of digital solutions, financial literacy, and market linkages for entrepreneurs across the country.
With the success of the Kumasi event, MTN Ghana and Sanlam Allianz have once again demonstrated their joint commitment to empowering small and medium-sized businesses to thrive. By equipping entrepreneurs with the right skills and resources, the two organizations are helping to build a resilient SME sector that continues to serve as the foundation of Ghana’s economic progress.
