MTN Partners SMEGA to Support SMEs
MTN Ghana has launched the 2025 SME Awards Night in partnership with SMEGA, as part of its year long SME Accelerate Programme.
The initiative is designed to celebrate small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country while providing them with training, visibility, and technological support.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN, Abubakar Siddiq Mohamed, explained that the SME Awards Night is one of several activities under the Accelerate Programme. He said MTN has worked with SMEGA for the past two to three years to provide technological tools and capacity building support to SMEs, helping them grow and contribute more effectively to Ghana’s economy.
This year’s awards will recognise businesses in 18 categories, including agribusiness, digital innovation, technology, and trade. Mohamed stressed that SMEs are the backbone of Ghana’s economy and must be supported to thrive. “When SMEs grow, Ghana grows as well,” he said.
Beyond recognition, MTN and SMEGA are expanding training opportunities. The programme has grown from four regions last year to six regions this year, with the Eastern and Volta regions added. Already, more than 400 SMEs have benefited from clinics and training sessions in Kumasi and the Volta Region. These sessions are designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills to strengthen their businesses.
Another key feature of the programme is the Nova Business School, which offers selected SMEs a 13 week mini MBA course. About 90 SMEs will take part this year, divided into three cohorts of 30 each. The training will cover business management, innovation, and leadership, giving participants the knowledge to scale their operations.
Mohamed explained that MTN’s approach is inclusive, targeting both formal and informal businesses. He noted that many SMEs are doing remarkable work but often lack visibility. By partnering with SMEGA, MTN aims to open doors for all types of SMEs, regardless of size or structure, and provide them with the recognition and support they deserve.
He added that MTN is committed to ensuring SMEs across Ghana have access to the tools and networks they need to succeed. “We have opened our arms to all SMEs, whether small, medium, formal, or informal. They are doing wonderful things, and we want to make sure they are seen and supported,” Mohamed said.
The SME Accelerate Programme is expected to create a stronger ecosystem for SMEs, combining recognition through the awards with training, mentorship, and access to resources. Organisers believe this holistic approach will help businesses overcome challenges and position them for long term growth.
By investing in SMEs, MTN and SMEGA hope to strengthen Ghana’s economy and empower entrepreneurs to compete regionally and globally. The awards night is not only a celebration of achievements but also a reminder of the critical role SMEs play in national development.
