The telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has intensified its commitment to strengthening Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector with the expansion of its flagship SME Accelerate Programme, a strategic initiative designed to equip businesses with the tools, skills, and support needed for sustainable growth.
The renewed focus was brought to the fore at an SME Business Clinic held in Kumasi on Wednesday, where dozens of entrepreneurs gathered to receive hands-on training under the theme “Setting Up Your Business for Growth.” The clinic formed part of a broader nationwide effort to build the capacity of SMEs and enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.
The training sessions centred on practical and impactful business strategies, including digital transformation, online business development, and product packaging—areas widely recognised as critical to scaling modern enterprises. Participants were taken through real-world applications to help reposition their businesses for both local and international markets.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the event, Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Abubakri Sadick Mohammed, revealed that the programme has undergone significant transformation since its launch in 2024.
Originally conceived as a short-term intervention, the initiative has now evolved into a year-long engagement model in response to growing demand from the SME community.
“We realised there were enormous opportunities, and customers wanted continuous engagement, so we expanded it to cover the whole year,” he stated, underscoring MTN’s responsiveness to the needs of Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
Mr. Mohammed noted that the programme is strategically designed to address persistent bottlenecks that hinder SME growth, including low adoption of digital tools, limited access to broader markets, and challenges in securing financing. According to him, these constraints have long undermined the full potential of SMEs, which remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy.
Central to the programme is a strong emphasis on digital transformation. MTN Ghana is equipping SMEs with innovative digital solutions that enable them to establish a robust online presence, effectively market their products, and reach customers far beyond their immediate geographic locations. This, he explained, is crucial in an era where technology increasingly defines business success.
In addition, the initiative integrates mobile money and fintech services, allowing businesses to build credible transaction histories—an essential requirement for accessing credit facilities. By leveraging these tools, SMEs are better positioned to secure financing and expand their operations.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with SMEGA Africa, which plays a critical role in monitoring participants and providing post-training support. This ensures that knowledge gained during training sessions translates into measurable improvements in business performance.
To further enhance the programme’s impact, MTN Ghana has deployed key account managers across the country to provide continuous mentorship and advisory services. These professionals work closely with SMEs, offering tailored guidance aimed at improving efficiency, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
Since its inception, the SME Accelerate Programme has supported more than 900 businesses nationwide. MTN Ghana has indicated plans to significantly expand its reach through increased training sessions and enhanced capacity-building initiatives in the coming years.
A standout feature of the programme is the Mini MBA course, delivered in partnership with Nova School of Business.
The 13-week programme is designed to equip selected entrepreneurs with advanced managerial and leadership competencies. Participation is expected to grow substantially by 2026, reflecting rising interest among SMEs seeking structured business education.
Mr. Mohammed also urged entrepreneurs to prioritise sound financial management practices, particularly accurate record-keeping, which he described as critical to improving their eligibility for funding opportunities.
He further highlighted the immense yet underutilised potential of locally produced goods, noting that many Ghanaian products remain under-promoted despite their high quality.
Participants at the Kumasi clinic expressed strong appreciation for the initiative, citing noticeable improvements in their product packaging, branding, and overall business presentation. Many indicated that the training had already begun reshaping their approach to business operations and customer engagement.
They also expressed optimism that the programme would enable them to scale their enterprises, increase productivity, and ultimately create employment opportunities within their communities.
With its expanded scope and sustained engagement model, MTN Ghana’s SME Accelerate Programme is poised to play a pivotal role in building a more resilient and competitive SME ecosystem.
Analysts believe the initiative could significantly contribute to Ghana’s broader economic growth agenda, particularly in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across the country.
