Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by expanding its flagship SME Accelerate Programme, with over 900 businesses already benefiting from the initiative.
The expansion, which reflects increasing demand from entrepreneurs across the country, was highlighted during an SME Business Clinic held in Kumasi on Wednesday. The programme, initially introduced in 2024 as a month-long campaign, has now evolved into a comprehensive year-round intervention aimed at addressing critical challenges facing SMEs and positioning them for long-term growth.
Speaking to journalists, the Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Abubakri Sadick Mohammed, explained that the decision to scale up the programme was informed by strong participation and the need for continuous engagement with business owners.
According to him, many SMEs in Ghana face persistent barriers such as low levels of digital adoption, limited visibility in competitive markets, and restricted access to finance—factors that significantly hinder their growth potential.
“SMEs that succeed globally have adopted technology in their operations. Digitisation is no longer optional; it is critical for growth,” he emphasised.
To address these challenges, MTN Ghana is providing a suite of digital tools designed to help SMEs establish an online presence, including platforms that enable businesses to create websites and showcase their products and services to a broader audience. This, the company believes, will enhance market reach and competitiveness beyond local boundaries.
In addition to digitalisation support, the programme integrates mobile money and fintech solutions to improve access to credit. By leveraging digital transaction records, SMEs are able to build financial credibility, thereby increasing their chances of securing funding to expand their operations.
As part of efforts to ensure sustainability and measurable impact, MTN Ghana has partnered with SMEGA Africa to provide post-training monitoring and evaluation. The organisation tracks the progress of participating businesses, ensuring that knowledge gained during training is effectively implemented to drive tangible improvements.
Mr Mohammed noted that MTN Ghana’s key account managers across the country also play a crucial role by offering continuous mentorship and advisory support to SMEs enrolled in the programme.
He further disclosed that the company is set to scale up its Mini MBA programme, organised in collaboration with the Nova School of Business. The 13-week course, which is designed to equip selected SMEs with advanced managerial and entrepreneurial skills, will see an increase in participation from about 50 beneficiaries last year to 150 in 2026.
The initiative, he said, underscores MTN Ghana’s broader vision of fostering innovation, resilience, and competitiveness within Ghana’s SME sector.
Mr Mohammed also encouraged SME operators to strengthen their record-keeping and financial management practices, stressing that improved documentation remains a key requirement for accessing credit and attracting investment.
He highlighted the untapped potential of locally manufactured products, noting that although many Ghanaian goods are of high quality, they often suffer from limited promotion and visibility on international platforms.
“Ghanaian-made products are competitive, but many are not visible globally. SMEs must leverage digital tools to reach wider markets and unlock new opportunities,” he advised.
Some participants who spoke to the media commended MTN Ghana for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that the training had already improved aspects of their businesses, including packaging, branding, and product presentation.
They expressed optimism that the knowledge and support gained through the programme would enable them to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create employment opportunities within their communities.
The expansion of the SME Accelerate Programme further cements MTN Ghana’s role as a key partner in national development, particularly in strengthening the SME sector, which remains a vital engine for economic growth and job creation in Ghana.
