In a renewed push to strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape, MTN Ghana has officially outdoored the 2025 edition of the SME Ghana Awards in Accra.
The initiative is designed to propel small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) toward sustainable growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
This year’s programme is anchored on the theme “Empowering SMEs to Scale Beyond Borders through Innovation, Resilience, and Digital Solutions,” highlighting the growing importance of technology and adaptability in today’s business environment.
The awards scheme seeks to identify and celebrate forward-thinking Ghanaian businesses that are leveraging digital tools, building resilient operations, and positioning themselves for opportunities beyond the domestic market.
Organisers believe that spotlighting such enterprises will encourage others to adopt innovative approaches and expand their reach.
Now in its eighth edition, the awards will honour exceptional businesses across several sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, trade, and women-led enterprises.
Beyond recognition, the platform also offers opportunities for partnerships, exposure, and strategic growth.
Speaking at the launch, Mohammed Abubakar Siddiq, Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, emphasized that the company’s role goes far beyond sponsorship.
He explained that MTN is committed to nurturing the growth of SMEs as part of a broader vision to support Ghana’s economic development.
According to him, the collaboration reflects a deliberate effort to invest in the long-term success of local businesses.
He noted that while celebrating achievements is important, providing SMEs with the right digital tools and support systems is critical to ensuring their sustainability.
Mr Siddiq also pointed out that the awards made a comeback last year after a five-year hiatus, with MTN stepping in to support the initiative due to its belief in promoting excellence within Ghana’s SME ecosystem.
He highlighted the impact of the MTN SME Accelerate Programme, which continues to equip entrepreneurs with skills, mentorship, and digital solutions to enhance their competitiveness.
Through this programme, SMEs receive practical guidance on scaling their operations and navigating modern business challenges.
He further revealed that recent SME clinics held in Ho and Kumasi have already benefited hundreds of entrepreneurs, offering them insights into business development, networking, and expansion strategies.
Plans are underway to extend these engagements to other regions, including Northern, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Western regions.
Mr Siddiq stressed that MTN’s continuous investment in digital infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling SME growth.
He explained that reliable connectivity, broadband services, and tailored digital platforms are essential components in building a thriving business ecosystem.
He added that the next generation of successful Ghanaian business leaders could emerge from unexpected places, driven by creativity and determination rather than access to large resources.
Meanwhile, SME GrowAfrica Executive Director Kwesi Ofori Jnr described the awards as more than just a recognition programme.
He noted that it has evolved into a movement that celebrates the courage and ingenuity of Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
He acknowledged that despite economic pressures, many SMEs continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. According to him, such businesses deserve platforms that amplify their visibility and impact.
Mr Ofori added that participation in the awards offers businesses credibility and access to opportunities that can elevate them from local operations to international players.
He cited past beneficiaries who have gained global exposure, mentorship, and strategic partnerships through the initiative.
He also commended the partnership with MTN Ghana, stating that it has enhanced the awards by combining recognition with tangible business support.
On her part, Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei highlighted the transformative role of digitalisation in the SME sector. She noted that technology has created new pathways for small businesses to access global markets.
According to her, the focus should now shift from whether Ghanaian SMEs can compete internationally to whether the country is providing the right environment to support their growth.
She underscored the significant role SMEs play in Ghana’s economy, accounting for over 85 percent of businesses and contributing substantially to employment and innovation.
However, she acknowledged persistent challenges such as limited access to financing, gaps in digital capacity, constrained market access, and regulatory hurdles.
Mrs Ansei called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial bodies, telecom providers, and development partners to address these challenges and create a more enabling business climate.
She concluded that initiatives like the MTN SME Ghana Awards are crucial, not only for recognising success but also for inspiring confidence and demonstrating that Ghanaian enterprises are ready to compete on the global stage.
