MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the launch of “MTN SME Accelerate.”
This year-long initiative, themed “Business Done Smarter, Faster, and Better,” aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs.
During the launch, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, stated, “MTN is deeply invested in empowering SMEs. We understand the vital role they play in driving economic growth and job creation throughout Africa.” He emphasized the need for essential tools, resources, and support for these businesses to thrive in the digital age.
Angela Mensah Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN, highlighted that SMEs encounter several challenges, including digitization, access to credit, and a lack of capacity. She emphasized MTN’s commitment to extending the SME initiative from a month-long program to a year-long initiative. This change aims to ensure sustained engagement with the sector to ensure successful outcomes.
As part of its support for women in the SME sector, the launch also introduced the “MTN Adwumapa Bundle,” a package designed specifically for women-led SMEs. This special bundle, one of many specialized offerings available throughout the year, aims to facilitate network connections and provide exclusive access to market opportunities, including SME fairs and pop-up shops.
Plan To Deepen The Integration Of Technology Into The Operations of SMEs
In her address, Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), shared her agency’s plan to deepen the integration of technology into the operations of SMEs. She commended MTN for this initiative and expressed GEA’s commitment to partnering with MTN Business to grow SMEs and support Ghana’s economic development.
Under the “MTN Accelerate” initiative, MTN Ghana will roll out various programs aimed at empowering Ghanaian SMEs to expand and operate sustainably. Planned initiatives include expanded market activations and capacity-building sessions for SMEs in both formal and informal sectors.
Additionally, there will be leadership trainings specifically for women in business. The initiative will culminate at the end of the year with an awards event called the MTN SME GROW AFRICA Awards (SMEGA Awards), which will recognize and assess the performance of SMEs over the year.
Attendees at the event included the Bulgarian Consul to Ghana, H.E. Nico van Staalduinen; H.E. Jean Claude Galea Mallia, Ambassador of Malta to Ghana; Her Royal Majesty Nana Esi Ninsin VIII, Queen Mother of Ekumfi; Dr. Joe Tackie, Board Chair of SME GrowAfrica & AfCFTA
Policy Network; Madam Saalai Manikam, SMEGA Board Member; and Charles Polet from OneAfrica.
MTN Business is focused on delivering innovative telecommunications solutions, tailored to the evolving needs of businesses. Some services for SMEs include: The Yello Biz service, MTN Business Messenger, SME Plus, Business Manager, Microsoft 365 suite and Business Website.
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