MTN GH Launches SME Accelerate 2026 to Boost Small Businesses
By Lois Amanor
MTN Ghana has launched the third edition of its SME Accelerate initiative, reaffirming its commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises across the country. The programme was unveiled by Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Officer of MTN Ghana, during the official launch event.
She explained that SMEs are the backbone of Ghana’s economy, and MTN is determined to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age. “Whether you are a one-man business or a large corporate, SMEs remain the lifeblood of this nation. That is why we have dedicated not just a month, but an entire year to celebrate, train, and build with our SMEs,” she said.
The SME Accelerate 2026 will run for a full year across all regions of Ghana. It will include training programmes, certification, awards, and fairs where SMEs can showcase their products and connect with customers. The initiative also aims to provide access to affordable digital tools and solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses.
Angela Mensah-Poku noted that MTN has been listening to its customers over the past three years, and many SMEs have raised concerns about access to affordable solutions and formalisation. In response, MTN has introduced products such as Ujumapa, designed for female-led businesses, and Yellow Biz, which offers internet, email, and websites at low cost.
She added that formalisation remains a major challenge for micro-SMEs, especially when seeking credit from banks. Many businesses rely on mobile money and handwritten ledgers, which are often rejected by financial institutions. MTN’s goal, she said, is to help SMEs build proper records and systems so they can access loans and grow sustainably.
The Chief Enterprise Officer stressed that this initiative is not a short-term project but a long-term commitment. “This is our pledge for the next three, five, ten years and beyond. We are here with you, building brick by brick, shop by shop,” she assured.
The launch brought together key partners including MasterCard, GIZ, and the Minister of Youth Empowerment and Development. Angela Mensah-Poku emphasised that MTN cannot achieve this alone and called on other organisations to join in supporting SMEs.
She concluded by describing the Accelerator as a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening Ghana’s SME sector, which remains vital to national growth and development.
