The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ms. Margaret Ansei_, has said that_, Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need stronger digital capabilities, improved access to markets and strategic partnerships to compete internationally.

Ms. Ansei Speaking at the media launch of the MTN SMEgrowafrica Awards (SMEGA) has emphasised the importance of building an enterprise ecosystem that enables indigenous businesses to expand beyond domestic markets, improve productivity and contribute more significantly to national economic development.

The awards, organised by SME GrowAfrica in partnership with MTN Ghana, recognise outstanding Ghanaian enterprises and promote innovation, resilience and digital transformation.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, create employment and improve the competitiveness of local businesses.

”Our businesses have the potential to compete internationally, but unlocking that potential requires the right platforms, stronger partnerships and an enabling environment that supports their growth.”
CEO of GEA, Ms Margaret Ansei

SMEs Remain Central to Ghana’s Economy

The importance of enterprise development is reflected in the scale of Ghana’s SME sector. According to report on the SMEGA 2026 launch, Ansei stated that SMEs constituted more than 85 per cent of businesses in the country, highlighting their importance to employment creation, innovation and economic activity.

These enterprises operate across agriculture, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, professional services and technology. Their activities support household incomes, create employment opportunities and connect producers with consumers through domestic supply chains.

In agribusiness, for example, small enterprises contribute to food processing, distribution, packaging and marketing, creating opportunities to increase the commercial value of agricultural produce.

Manufacturing SMEs similarly support local production, while service-based enterprises provide essential business and consumer services.

However, the presence of numerous businesses does not automatically translate into strong productivity or international competitiveness. Enterprises must also develop sound management practices, reliable production systems, quality standards and the capacity to meet customer demand consistently.

The challenges facing Ghanaian SMEs include limited access to finance, inadequate digital capabilities, restricted market access and regulatory difficulties. These constraints can prevent otherwise promising businesses from investing in modern equipment, improving product quality or expanding their operations.

Consequently, enterprise development programmes must extend beyond encouraging business ownership. They must help existing businesses become more productive, financially sustainable and capable of competing on quality, reliability and price.

Digital Innovation Can Expand Market Access

MTN Ghana has incorporated enterprise support into its SME Accelerate programme, which combines business development activities with initiatives intended to improve digital adoption and competitiveness.

In March 2026, the telecommunications company launched the third edition of the programme, outlining plans for SME clinics across six regions, business webinars, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

The programme also identified women led enterprises, youth-owned businesses, family enterprises and businesses operated by persons with disabilities as groups requiring targeted support.

Separately, a September 2026 report said MTN had trained more than 1,400 SMEs through its business clinics, with a Greater Accra programme expected to add more than 200 businesses to that number.

The clinics address digital tools, business management and other capabilities intended to support enterprise growth.

These interventions demonstrate the potential of combining telecommunications infrastructure with practical business education. Nevertheless, technology adoption must be accompanied by improved financial management, appropriate products, effective customer service and commercially sustainable operating models.

”Supporting Ghanaian SMEs is not only about creating opportunities for growth but also recognising and celebrating the hard work, sacrifices and achievements behind their success.”
CEO of GEA, Ms Margaret Ansei

SME GrowAfrica identifies the SME Ghana Awards as its flagship enterprise empowerment initiative. Its broader programmes also include capacity-building activities intended to strengthen the skills of micro-enterprises and young entrepreneurs.

Partnerships Must Translate Recognition Into Growth

Ms. Margaret Ansei and a Stakeholder During the SMEGA

The SMEGA programme has previously outlined support involving business training, mentorship, media exposure and strategic partnerships. At the 2025 relaunch, organisers also highlighted opportunities for award recipients to access international exposure and specialised business education.

Such interventions can help entrepreneurs identify weaknesses in their operations, strengthen corporate governance, improve marketing strategies and prepare their businesses for expansion.

However, the longer term impact of these initiatives will depend on the quality of support provided, the accessibility of opportunities and the ability of participating businesses to apply what they learn.

Access to affordable financing remains important because enterprises need working capital to purchase inputs, pay employees, acquire equipment and fulfil larger orders.

Financial support is most effective when combined with appropriate business planning, transparent accounting and the capacity to generate sustainable revenue.

Market access is equally critical. Domestic enterprises require stronger connections with large retailers, manufacturers, distributors and export buyers.

Partnerships between government agencies and private sector organisations can help bridge some of these gaps by connecting entrepreneurs with technical expertise, business networks and potential customers.

The Ghana Enterprises Agency has a role in strengthening this ecosystem through capacity building, strategic partnerships, access to business resources and advocacy for policies that support enterprise development.

For the agency, initiatives such as SMEGA offer an opportunity to reinforce the message that entrepreneurship requires sustained investment in people, technology, market development and institutional support.

”Beyond recognising excellence, they give visibility to our entrepreneurs, inspire confidence and affirm the important role SMEs play in driving employment, innovation and national development.”
CEO of GEA, Ms. Margaret Ansei

Ms. Ansei expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana and the SME GrowAfrica team for sustaining the initiative and supporting the growth of Ghanaian businesses.

The value of SMEGA will be reflected not only in the entrepreneurs it celebrates but also in the business capabilities, commercial opportunities and lasting partnerships that emerge from the initiative.