MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through innovative digital solutions and partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth.
The telecom giant made this pledge during the 2025 Small and Medium Enterprises Ghana Awards (SMEGA) held in Accra, which brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers to celebrate innovation and resilience within Ghana’s SME sector.
The SMEGA Awards, now a major fixture on Ghana’s business calendar, celebrates enterprises that demonstrate excellence, leadership, and sustainability. This year’s event highlighted the pivotal role of SMEs in driving Ghana’s economy, especially in promoting industrialisation, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Speaking at the event, Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, underscored the importance of SMEs to Ghana’s economic transformation. She revealed that SMEs contribute more than 70 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for the majority of employment opportunities nationwide.
“SMEs are the heartbeat of Ghana’s economy. At MTN, we recognise their potential and remain committed to supporting them through digital and financial tools that enhance productivity, market access, and competitiveness.”
Angela Mensah-Poku
Mensah-Poku highlighted MTN’s suite of initiatives tailored to empower small businesses, including MTN Adwumapa, MoMo for Business, the SME Accelerator Programme, and SME Business Clinics. These programmes, she explained, provide entrepreneurs with access to digital payment solutions, mentorship, marketing support, and capacity-building opportunities.
MTN’s Digital Tools Powering SME Growth
Over the years, MTN Ghana has evolved beyond telecommunications into a key enabler of digital transformation for local enterprises. Through MTN Adwumapa, for instance, entrepreneurs receive tailored business support, digital literacy training, and access to financing opportunities.
Similarly, the MoMo for Business platform allows SMEs to process payments securely, manage transactions efficiently, and expand their customer base beyond traditional markets. The SME Accelerator Programme has also served as an innovation hub, connecting startups and small enterprises with investors, mentors, and experts to scale their operations.
“Our approach is to help SMEs leverage technology to solve local challenges, increase their resilience, and compete globally,” Mensah-Poku said, adding that MTN’s focus aligns with the government’s digitalisation agenda.
India–Ghana Trade Relations Set for Major Expansion
In a significant development, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Shri Manish Gupta, who graced the awards as the special guest of honour, announced India’s ambitious plan to double its trade with Ghana. He disclosed that India aims to increase bilateral trade from USD 3 billion to USD 6 billion within the next five years, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two nations.
“India remains a committed partner to Ghana’s development, particularly in trade, technology, and entrepreneurship. We are inspired by the innovation and resilience of Ghana’s entrepreneurs, who continue to turn challenges into opportunities. Our goal is to strengthen economic ties and create new channels for investment and collaboration.”
Shri Manish Gupta
His remarks were met with applause from the business community, many of whom expressed optimism about the potential for deeper India–Ghana cooperation in technology transfer, industrial manufacturing, and agricultural processing — sectors where SMEs play a critical role.
SMEGA Ghana Recognises Business Excellence
Kwesi Ofori Jnr, Head of SMEGA Ghana, commended MTN and other corporate partners for their unwavering support in strengthening the SME ecosystem. He revealed that more than 60 businesses have benefited from digital and technical training under the SMEGA initiative, helping to improve operational efficiency and enhance competitiveness in both local and export markets.
“The partnership between SMEGA and companies like MTN is transforming Ghana’s SME landscape,” Ofori Jnr stated. “We are seeing increased innovation, better financial management, and more market-ready businesses emerging from our programmes.”
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Overall Best SME of the Year, which went to Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, Chief Executive Officer of Yesli Ice. Diabah also won three additional awards — SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Production Innovation, and Food and Beverage — for her company’s outstanding performance in innovation and product quality.
Driving a Future of Innovation and Partnership
This year’s SMEGA Awards served as more than just a platform for recognition; it was a call to action for stronger collaboration between the private sector, government, and international partners. The discussions at the event underscored the importance of innovation, digital transformation, and access to finance in accelerating SME growth and resilience.
As MTN Ghana continues to roll out its digital empowerment programmes, the company’s efforts are positioning it as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. Its commitment to supporting Ghanaian entrepreneurs aligns with broader national goals to industrialise the economy and reduce unemployment.
The convergence of MTN’s digital drive and India’s renewed trade ambitions sets the stage for a new era of opportunity. With SMEs at the heart of this transformation, Ghana’s journey toward a more resilient, technology-driven economy looks increasingly promising.
The 2025 SMEGA Awards showcased not only the ingenuity of Ghanaian entrepreneurs but also the growing synergy between technology, trade, and innovation. MTN Ghana’s leadership in driving digital inclusion and SME empowerment continues to make a tangible impact on the business landscape. Meanwhile, India’s pledge to double trade with Ghana adds a new dimension to the nation’s economic prospects.
