Koforidua: MTN Business has intensified support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Eastern Region through digital transformation and capacity-building aimed at improving business sustainability, productivity, and employment generation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Abubakari-Sidick Mohammed, Senior Manager of SME Sales at MTN Business, emphasized the crucial role of SMEs in Ghana's socio-economic development, noting their significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and national employment. Speaking at the SME Business Clinic opening event in Koforidua, he highlighted that MTN's efforts are part of the broader 'SME Accelerate' programme designed to provide comprehensive support and visibility for SMEs nationwide throughout the year.
Mr. Mohammed pointed out that despite the resilience and economic contributions of the SME sector, technological and operational gaps hinder their growth and competitiveness. To address these challenges, the clinic aims to equip SME operators with essential skills in bookkeeping, packaging, labelling, branding, and digital business management. He stressed the importance of separating personal and business finances to ensure sustainability and growth, urging business owners to treat their enterprises as distinct entities.
MTN Business has developed several digital solutions under its 'YellowBiz' platform, offering internet connectivity, website creation services, customised business email domains, and Microsoft 365 tools to enhance operational efficiency and global visibility. Mr. Mohammed explained that website visibility allows international businesses to engage with Ghanaian SMEs, while customised email domains boost credibility and professionalism.
Additionally, MTN Business introduced 'Business Eye,' a digital monitoring solution that enables business owners to remotely supervise operations and track activities in real time. The company also launched the 'Adwumapa' package for women entrepreneurs, providing affordable voice and data packages, insurance support, and access to telemedicine services through 'Doctor on Call.' Given that women own 51 to 52 percent of SMEs in Ghana, targeted support for women-led enterprises is deemed essential.
Mr. Mohammed described SMEs as strategic to Ghana's economy, contributing between 70 and 80 percent of GDP and generating nearly 90 percent of employment opportunities nationwide. He expressed confidence in SMEs as a key solution to Ghana's unemployment challenges due to their extensive employment capabilities.
In collaboration with SMEGA Africa, MTN Business is organising the clinic to bring business development support closer to SME operators in the regions. SMEs continue to be the backbone of Ghana's economy, playing a dominant role in the informal sector and significantly contributing to employment and local economic activity.