MTN Ghana has launched the SME Accelerate initiative, a year-long initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country through digital transformation and business support solutions.
The Programme was launched on April 10, 2025, under the theme, Business done smarter, faster and better. The year-long initiative seeks to empower small and medium-scale businesses to expand and champion digital transformation.
Speaking at the launch, Mohammed Abubakari, Head of SMEs at MTN Ghana Business, said the Programme was designed to address key challenges facing SMEs, including digital lag, access to financing, and capacity development.
“The SME Accelerate is a platform we’ve developed to transform Ghana’s small and medium enterprises by equipping them with the digital tools and skills they need to scale,” he noted.
He further indicated that the company identified major gaps last year through research, especially in digitization, capacity building, and financial access, after their monthly campaigns, hence its year-long focus to bring relief to entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, says sixty percent of small and medium enterprises in Ghana fail to thrive as a result of inadequate capital and support.
“When you’re running a business, cash flow is important, and I can say that eighty percent of businesses in Ghana are SMEs and about sixty-five percent struggle with funding. IFEST the SME industry collapses we will be in trouble because it is the centre of businesses in Ghana”, he noted.
Stephen Blewett further emphasized MTN Ghana’s commitment to supporting start-up businesses, adding that SMEs are the centre of businesses in Ghana.
“At MTN Ghana, we are committed to helping SMEs thrive and provide essential platforms for them”.
The CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Margaret Ansei, the keynote speaker for the event, highlighted how instrumental the initiative will be to transforming entrepreneurship through the 24-hour economy in the country.
“GEA is excited that MTN Ghana is championing the operations of small and medium enterprises in Ghana, this aligns with the objectives of President John Mahama’s 24 hour economy and the operations of the GEA”.
The Programme will include access to a range of tailored MTN business solutions such as “MTN MyBusiness, “YellowBiz,” and the SME Mate platform, as well as unified communications and digital tools to improve efficiency and market reach.
Also speaking at the event, Bulgaria Consul to Ghana, H.E Nico Van Staalduinen, indicated that the initiative will provide entrepreneurs the visibility and opportunities in the Bulgarian market.
“The initiative is part of MTN’s broader commitment to empower Ghanaian businesses and help them thrive not only in Ghana but also on the Bulgarian market, he revealed.
Interested businesses can apply through MTN’s USSD codes or designated online portals. The Programme is expected to expand after the first year based on feedback and impact assessments.
