MTN Ghana has marked SME Month in Kumasi with the organization of an SME Business Clinic that provided training, financial literacy, and market opportunities for 120 entrepreneurs across the Ashanti Region. The initiative, part of MTN’s flagship SME Accelerate Programme, was aimed at building the capacity of small businesses and strengthening their role in Ghana’s economic development.
The clinic attracted participants from various sectors, including tailoring and dressmaking associations, traders, and sole proprietors. It served as a platform for equipping entrepreneurs with knowledge in areas such as financial inclusion, digital engagement, and business competitiveness.
Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Mr. Abubakari Sidick, explained that the programme is described as a “clinic” because it is designed to identify and address the specific challenges facing SMEs. He said many small businesses in Ghana require tailored interventions to help them overcome hurdles such as access to finance, inadequate insurance, and stock protection.
“This is the fourth SME Clinic we have organized in Kumasi. Our focus is to support SMEs that are making meaningful contributions to the local economy. Through this programme, we are equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to become more resilient and competitive. SMEs are the heartbeat of our nation’s economic growth, and we are committed to empowering them,” Mr. Sidick said.
The clinic also showcased MTN’s wide range of digital business solutions, including voice, data, and SMS packages, as well as communication and business management platforms designed to help SMEs grow and reach a wider audience. Participants were guided on how to adopt these tools to improve record-keeping, customer engagement, and overall efficiency.
A key highlight of the event was MTN’s partnership with Sanlam Allianz, a global leader in financial services and insurance. Through this collaboration, SMEs were introduced to tailored insurance packages that provide protection against risks that could threaten their businesses. Ernestina Nana Adwoa Oyelaran, Head of Business Development and Distribution (Corporate and Commercial) at Sanlam Allianz, emphasized that safeguarding the efforts of entrepreneurs is just as important as supporting their growth.
“SMEs are the backbone of every economy, and they deserve protection and support. Entrepreneurs invest their time, energy, and resources into building businesses that sustain families and communities. Our objective is to help them live with confidence, knowing that their investments and stock are secure. This is why our partnership with MTN is vital,” she said.
Beyond training sessions, the event featured an SME Fair, which allowed participants to exhibit their products and services to a wider audience. The fair provided market exposure for small businesses, created networking opportunities, and fostered partnerships among entrepreneurs. Many exhibitors described the platform as an invaluable opportunity to reach new customers and build long-term business relationships.
Several participants shared that the clinic had transformed their perception of small businesses and provided practical tools to improve their operations. One entrepreneur commented, “We have learned that the size of a business does not determine its importance. The clinic has shown us the value of keeping proper records and protecting our stock. It has been very impactful.”
The Kumasi SME Business Clinic formed part of a nationwide series of activities marking SME Month, which is dedicated to supporting small businesses with knowledge, digital solutions, and access to financial tools. Through this initiative, MTN Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening the backbone of Ghana’s economy by empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital age.
