MTN unveils yearlong strategy to transform SMEs

MTN Ghana has ramped up support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through a consolidated and expanded flagship initiative—MTN Business SME Accelerate.
The year-long campaign designed to offer strategic support, capacity building, and market opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country to bolster the sector has been officially launched in Accra.
The programme, which was unveiled at a short but impressive event, reflects MTN’s deepening commitment to empowering SMEs and promoting inclusive digital transformation in Ghana.
The initiative runs under the theme, “Business Done Smarter, Faster, and Better,” and encapsulates a series of targeted interventions including pop-up shops, tailored bundles for women-owned businesses, digital training platforms, and support for differently abled entrepreneurs.
The campaign is expected to engage thousands of SMEs over the course of twelve months, delivering tools, exposure, and mentorship that will help them scale and compete globally.

Pop-Up shops
The pop-up shops, dubbed ‘Own Your Hustle’, give MTN Business SMEs the opportunity to participate in fairs, advertise their businesses, and gain exposure to MTN customers invited to these events.

Adwumapa Bundle
A vital part of the initiative is the ‘Adwumapa Bundle’ for women-owned SMEs, which includes differentiated voice, data, and SME bundles.
Inherent in the Adwumapa Bundle is an insurance package that, depending on the frequency and amount of bundle purchases, offers SMEs coverage of up to GH₵4,500.
These customers are also granted free access to MTN SME fairs, which bring together a community of like-minded businesses.
Another component of the programme is monthly market activations with various MTN propositions for SMEs.
This initiative is vital for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, showcasing the immense potential that can be unlocked through targeted support.
The special bundle facilitates connections and offers exclusive access to market opportunities, including SME fairs and pop-up shops, along with a digital toolbox.
This targeted support from MTN Ghana can help women entrepreneurs thrive—leading to a more prosperous and equitable future.

Yellow Biz
Yellow Biz is a business-ready device with data that allows SMEs to create a website, gain access to Microsoft 365, create a unique business email identity, and receive a dedicated telephone number with multiple extensions.
The initiative includes training delivered by partner organizations to equip SMEs with digital tools for business growth.
This covers areas such as financial literacy, brand positioning, and digital marketing.
Partners include an insurance company, a healthcare provider, a financial institution, and a business development organization.
These partnerships provide enrolled SMEs with comprehensive services powered by MTN Business.
SMEs that sign on also receive capability-building support through collaborations with partner banks, insurance companies, and others.
As part of the support, an inclusion programme for differently abled SME owners exposes them to various funding opportunities and equips them with tools to access and apply for these funds.
In September, the year-long comprehensive support programme will culminate in the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Award Scheme, which celebrates exceptional SME achievements.
MTN Ghana’s evolving support for SMEs demonstrates a deep understanding of local business dynamics and a genuine commitment to national development.
By providing platforms, digital resources, and market connections, MTN is not just promoting business growth—it is transforming the economic landscape of Ghana, one entrepreneur at a time.

Investing in SMEs is a smart and necessary move
Speaking at the launch, MTN Ghana CEO Mr. Stephen Blewett emphasized the crucial role SMEs play in national development and why MTN is expanding its efforts to serve this vibrant sector.
“Investing in women-led SMEs is not only the right thing to do—it’s a smart strategy that accelerates business growth and contributes to national development,” he said.
Mr. Blewett stressed that MTN’s role extends far beyond telecommunications.
“At MTN, we are committed to helping SMEs overcome the persistent barriers of financing, digital access, and market limitations. Our goal is to provide essential platforms and services that enable consistent and sustainable growth,” he noted.
He pointed to key MTN innovations—MoMo (Mobile Money), Digital, and Chenosis—as transformative tools enabling entrepreneurs to manage secure transactions, reach new markets, and operate more efficiently.
“Through targeted programmes and a comprehensive range of services, MTN is supporting the success of entrepreneurs across the continent,” he stated.
“That’s why we’re proud to introduce MTN Accelerate—our new flagship brand for entrepreneurs operating in the digital economy.”
For the first time, MTN is dedicating an entire year—not just a month—to intensive sector-specific SME support.
Mr. Blewett noted that women-led businesses, which make up 44% of Ghana’s SME landscape, are a core focus.
“Despite their immense contribution, the adoption of digital tools remains low among these businesses, largely due to limited access to finance, markets, and training. We’re determined to change that,” he affirmed.
He closed with a powerful call to action: “Let’s build a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive SME sector—one that drives innovation, empowers communities, and transforms Ghana’s economy.”

Deepening impact
In her welcome address, Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Ghana, described the SME Accelerate Programme as a strategic shift in how the company engages with SMEs.
“The bold step to extend this campaign throughout the year gives us more time to interact meaningfully with SMEs, roll out bespoke bundle offers with our partners, and recognize excellence through an upcoming awards scheme,” she explained.

MTN is a tech enabler
Margaret Ansei, Acting CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), highlighted MTN’s belief in innovation as a key pillar of business success, noting that the programme is designed to prepare SMEs for a future driven by technology, agility, and data.
She lauded the initiative as perfectly aligned with the agency’s vision to build a resilient and globally competitive SME sector.
“In today’s world, innovation is the new currency, speed is the new skill, and data is the new oil. The future belongs to those who embrace change and leverage technology,” she said.
She described MTN as “more than a telecommunications company—it is a technology enabler,” and praised its role in unlocking possibilities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

“This isn’t just about technology—it’s about transformation. It’s about unlocking potential, expanding horizons, and building SMEs that transcend borders, time zones, and operating hours,” she emphasized.
Ms. Ansei reiterated GEA’s commitment to collaborating with partners to support SMEs with not just financing, but also digital tools, partnerships, and market access.
She urged all SMEs to embrace innovation, embrace technology, and embrace the future.
By ELVIS DARKO, Accra