MTN Ghana has taken another bold step in its drive to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by organizing a capacity-building Business Clinic in Kumasi, which brought together 120 entrepreneurs from across the Ashanti Region. The initiative, held under MTN’s flagship SME Accelerate Programme, was designed to equip business owners with the knowledge, digital tools, and financial support they need to scale up their operations and remain competitive.
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including members of tailoring and dressmaking associations, various business groups, and sole proprietors. It also formed part of MTN’s broader SME Month initiative, which seeks to build stronger, more resilient SMEs by providing training, platforms for networking, and opportunities for market access.
Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Mr. Abubakari Sidick, explained that the Business Clinic model was introduced to diagnose and address the real challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Ghana. He noted that many small businesses continue to grapple with limited access to finance, inadequate insurance cover, and poor stock protection mechanisms—issues that hinder their growth.
“This is the fourth SME Clinic we have organized in Kumasi. Our focus is to identify SMEs that are contributing to the economy and provide them with tailored support to improve their operations. SMEs are at the heart of Ghana’s economic growth, and we are committed to equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resources to thrive,” he said.
The clinic showcased MTN’s suite of business solutions, including voice, data, and SMS packages, as well as digital management platforms designed to simplify operations and improve customer engagement. These tools, Mr. Sidick said, are part of MTN’s strategy to drive digital adoption among small businesses and position them to compete more effectively in today’s market.
A key feature of the clinic was MTN’s partnership with Sanlam Allianz, a global leader in financial services and insurance. The partnership introduced SMEs to specialized insurance and financial solutions tailored to their needs. Ernestina Nana Adwoa Oyelaran, Head of Business Development and Distribution (Corporate and Commercial) at Sanlam Allianz, emphasized that protecting businesses is as important as building them.
“SMEs are the backbone of every economy. They invest their money, time, and energy into building enterprises that create jobs and opportunities. It is important that their investments are protected. That is why our collaboration with MTN is so important—we want to empower entrepreneurs to live and work with confidence, knowing their businesses are secure,” she said.
The programme was not only about training but also created opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services through the SME Fair, which provided greater market exposure and encouraged collaboration among businesses. It also gave participants the chance to interact with customers and potential partners, while learning from one another’s experiences.
Many of the entrepreneurs who attended described the clinic as an invaluable opportunity. They highlighted the lessons learned in record-keeping, digital engagement, and strategic planning as critical tools for their future success. One participant shared, “This clinic has changed my perception of small businesses. I have learned that what matters most is not the size of the business, but how well it is managed. This programme has been truly impactful.”
The Kumasi Business Clinic added to MTN Ghana’s ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurs across the country. Through its SME Accelerate Programme, the company continues to position SMEs as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the digital era.
With initiatives like this, MTN Ghana is not only investing in the growth of small businesses but also contributing to the broader economic transformation of Ghana, one entrepreneur at a time.
