MTN Ghana launches SME Month 2024 with a call to embrace digital solutions

MTN Ghana has officially launched its SME Month, themed "Business Done Smarter, Faster and Better", to support and promote Ghanaian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in scaling their businesses through technology.

The launch event held at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Office Complex, brought together key stakeholders in the industry, including Tsonam Akpelooo, Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Philomena Osane, Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Research and Evaluation at the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), and Mohammed Abubakari-Sidick, SM Business Sales.

Speaking during the event, then Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku stressed the importance of digital solutions for SMEs to upscale their businesses. She then highlighted MTN's commitment to supporting SMEs in driving economic development in Ghana.

In her remarks the Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Research and Evaluation at the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), Philomina Dsane praised the MTN SME Month initiative, urging all SMEs to fully immerse themselves in the event. She noted that by providing access to digital solutions, SMEs can streamline their operations, reach a wider audience, and improve their overall performance.

"SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and it's essential that they leverage technology to stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth," Philomina Dsane said.

Tsonam Akpelooo, representing the Association of Ghana Industry (AGI), also reiterated the crucial role Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving a vibrant economy.

According to him SMEs are significant employers and contributors to national economic growth, and disclosed that in the post-COVID era, AGI has encouraged its members to leverage digital tools to enhance their scalability.

However, Akpelooo highlighted the challenges SMEs face in adopting digital solutions, including the threat of cybercrime, high data and device costs, and subpar internet connectivity.

"While we acknowledge the benefits of digitalization, we must also address the challenges that SMEs face in adopting digital solutions," Akpelooo said. "We need to work together to create an ecosystem that supports SMEs in their digital transformation journey."

The month-long program promises to be an exciting one, with a range of activities lined up, including pop-up shops at MTN House, training sessions, and trade fairs in Accra and Kumasi. These events aim to provide SMEs with the necessary tools and resources to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye