MTN Business has launched an initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana to bridge the digital gap and expand their businesses online. The Regional Sales Manager of MTN Business, Northern Business Unit, Eric Antwi, stated that digital tools have become essential for SMEs to scale up their operations and increase their customer base. This initiative was announced during an SME capacity-building clinic organized by the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) in collaboration with MTN Business in Sunyani.
The clinic brought together SME owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups, business managers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to build their skills and explore opportunities for business growth. Mr. Antwi emphasized that MTN Business has introduced digital solutions to help SMEs establish an online presence, improve customer service, and manage their businesses more effectively. One of the solutions, Yello Biz, enables SMEs to create websites, access a dedicated customer service platform, and use Microsoft 365.
The Yello Biz solution aims to give SMEs a global presence and help them connect with customers. Mr. Antwi also mentioned that Adwuma pa, another MTN solution, is tailored for women entrepreneurs to support their day-to-day operations and enable them to serve their customers effectively. To subscribe to this service, one needs to dial *5060#. Additionally, SMEs can use the MTN Merchant Business SIM to make savings and access loans.
Mr. Antwi stressed the importance of protecting business accounts and personal information. He advised customers not to disclose their PINs or enter security codes sent by unknown persons into their phones. He emphasized that a PIN is a unique identity and should not be disclosed. Furthermore, Mr. Antwi mentioned that MTN Business had identified five businesses from the training for further engagement, including financial literacy, continued coaching, and support to nurture their growth.
The Senior Zonal Business Manager of the GCGL for Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Northern, Benjamin Korsinah Tsatsu, stated that the initiative aims to help SMEs improve their performance and take advantage of opportunities created by digitalization. He noted that many businesses are moving away from traditional brick-and-mortar models and need to incorporate digitalization into their products and service delivery.
Mr. Tsatsu emphasized that the growth of individual SMEs will contribute to national economic growth. He mentioned that the initiative will be sustained as an annual program and decentralized across the 16 regions to bring SME training closer to businesses outside Accra and Kumasi. This will enable more SMEs to access the training and support they need to grow and compete in the global market.
The partnership between MTN Business and GCGL demonstrates a commitment to empowering SMEs in Ghana with the digital tools and knowledge they need to succeed. By providing access to digital solutions and training, MTN Business and GCGL are helping SMEs to bridge the digital gap and compete in the global market. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the growth and development of SMEs in Ghana.
Key points
- MTN Business partners with Graphic Communications Group to support SMEs with digital solutions.
- The initiative aims to help SMEs establish an online presence, improve customer service, and manage their businesses more effectively.
- The program will be sustained as an annual initiative and decentralized across the 16 regions in Ghana.
