MTN Ghana Boosts SME Growth Through Digital Transformation

Accra: MTN Ghana has intensified efforts to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt digital solutions, access financing and markets, and transition from survival to sustainable business growth. The company said many SMEs had significant growth potential but continued to operate below capacity because of limited adoption of digital tools and gaps in areas such as product development and customer management. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mohammed Abubakari-Sidick, Senior Manager, SME Sales, Business Broadband and Partnerships at MTN Ghana, made these remarks at an SME Business Clinic conducted in the Greater Accra Region. The clinic brought together more than 200 SMEs to equip them with digital and business development tools to improve their productivity and competitiveness. Mr. Abubakari-Sidick highlighted the range of solutions MTN has developed to assist SMEs in overcoming challenges such as internet connectivity, digital productivity, business security, and market access. One of the key solutions, Yellow Business, provides businesses with stable internet connectivity as well as tools to create websites and establish an online presence. The senior manager also mentioned that MTN offers Microsoft 365 to help SMEs enhance productivity through applications such as Teams, enabling employees to collaborate and communicate from different locations. He emphasized the importance of digital transformation for SME growth, noting that many businesses continue to operate using traditional methods despite the availability of technology that could significantly improve their operations. Mr. Abubakari-Sidick explained that MTN's objective is to help SMEs transition from a 'survival mode' to a growth phase by adopting appropriate digital tools. Another solution offered by MTN, Business Eye, provides SMEs with CCTV monitoring services that allow business owners to monitor their shops remotely, utilizing either electricity or solar power and offering cloud storage for business surveillance data. Addressing access to finance, Mr. Abubakari-Sidick revealed that MTN is partnering with financial institutions to improve credit access for SMEs. The company's SME Accelerate initiative collaborates with banks to provide financing opportunities, while its Mobile Money platform offers loan facilities to eligible customers. He also pointed out that MTN is addressing market access through digital platforms and networking opportunities under its SME initiatives. Mr. Abubakari-Sidick stated that MTN had trained more than 1,400 SMEs through the clinics, with the Greater Accra program expected to add over 200 businesses to the number. He noted that the Greater Accra and Northern regions were areas with strong participation due to the concentration and growing number of SMEs. He further mentioned the Ayoba for Women solution, dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses with affordable voice and data services. This package includes features such as access to medical consultations and insurance cover to support women entrepr eneurs, reflecting MTN's commitment to ensuring women have access to digital and other support services. Mr. Richard Norgah, Co-founder and Director of the SME Ghana Awards (SMEGA), shared insights from research conducted by the organization, revealing that challenges beyond financing, such as product management, packaging, and customer management, also hinder SME growth. SMEGA, in collaboration with MTN Ghana, focuses on helping businesses improve these areas and develop an e-commerce platform, One Africa Online, to expand Ghanaian businesses beyond the domestic market. Mr. Norgah encouraged SMEs to leverage programs organized by MTN and SMEGA to acquire skills and tools for business improvement. The partnership will continue to provide training on various aspects of business development, with additional programs planned for this year and beyond. Meanwhile, Mr. Abubakari-Sidick announced MTN's collaboration with SMEGA and Nova Africa Business School to provide further training for selected SMEs. Approxima tely 90 SMEs will participate in an MBA-level program this year, with the cost fully funded by MTN Ghana.