MTN, UNDP, and EU Partner with Government to Boost MSME Growth in Ghana

News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Ike Dzokpo, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/mtn-undp-and-eu-partner-with-government-to-boost-msme-growth-in-ghana/

The 2025 World Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day was marked in Accra with a national celebration and exhibition under the theme “Empowering MSMEs: Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future,” underscoring Ghana’s renewed commitment to placing MSMEs at the center of its economic transformation agenda.

Government Pledges Comprehensive Support for MSMEs

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Honourable Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, reaffirmed the government’s determination to empower MSMEs as a cornerstone of inclusive growth and a catalyst for Ghana’s 24-hour economy drive.

She described Ghana’s MSMEs as “creative and resilient,” but lamented the systemic challenges stifling their growth, including informality, lack of digital skills, and limited access to technology.

Outlining the government’s comprehensive plan, the sector minister announced ongoing efforts to simplify business registration, incentivize financial institutions to tailor credit products for MSMEs, expand digital skills training, and develop a dedicated Women’s Bank.

She also highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Made-in-Ghana Promotion Programme, the Agribusiness Transformation Programme, and the Women in Agribusiness Initiative, all aimed at integrating MSMEs into key value chains across critical sectors.

GEA CEO Margaret Ansei Champions MSME Digital Transformation

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Margaret Ansei, also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through digital innovation and sustainable development.

Madam Ansei said the theme — Empowering MSMEs: Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future — reflects the country’s urgent need to equip entrepreneurs for a fast-changing global economy.

“This is not just a ceremonial gathering,” she noted. “It is a purposeful assembly to reaffirm our collective commitment to the growth, transformation, and empowerment of MSMEs.”

She highlighted the vital role MSMEs play both globally and nationally, noting that they represent about 90% of businesses worldwide, provide over 70% of employment, and contribute nearly 50% of global GDP.

“In Ghana, MSMEs are even more critical — accounting for 92% of registered businesses, contributing 70% to our national GDP, and providing 85% of manufacturing jobs,” Madam Ansei stated. “These are not just statistics — they reflect the spirit of Ghanaian entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation.”

She emphasized that GEA is leading efforts to build a robust MSME ecosystem through affordable financing, reduced operational costs, digital and technical capacity-building, and targeted support for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the MSME Gateway Portal, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The platform will serve as a one-stop digital hub, providing entrepreneurs with access to vital resources, tools, and services.

“Digital and financial inclusion are no longer optional; they are now essential for MSMEs to remain competitive and resilient,” she added.

Madam Ansei also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders advancing the MSME agenda, particularly President John Dramani Mahama, for his renewed focus on job creation, inclusive growth, and digital transformation.

She acknowledged the support of key development partners, including UNDP, GIZ, the UN Capital Development Fund, MTN Ghana, Stanbic Bank Ghana, the World Bank, UNIDO, and the MasterCard Foundation.

“As we celebrate MSME Day, let us reflect on how far we’ve come — and reaffirm our shared vision to go even further together,” she concluded.

MTN Ghana Pledges Continued Support for MSMEs

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana Madam Adwoa Wiafe, described MSMEs as “the lifeblood of Ghana’s economy,” emphasizing their role as job creators, innovators, and key contributors to national development.

“MSMEs provide more than 70% of employment across Africa, including Ghana, yet they often lack the support and resources they need to reach their full potential,” the MTN official stated. “Our goal is to ensure that no business is too small to benefit from the digital revolution.”

She highlighted MTN Ghana’s efforts to bridge the digital divide through initiatives tailored to meet the needs of small businesses.

These include MTN Ajumapa, which offers affordable digital and connectivity packages; SME Plus, a comprehensive solution providing voice, data, and SMS bundles to help MSMEs manage communication costs; and Yello Biz , an integrated platform providing business management tools, financial services, and digital skills training.

The MTN executive announced that the company is investing $25 million to build a state-of-the-art Digital Innovation Hub in Accra. The hub, expected to open later this year, will serve as an incubation center for startups, MSMEs, academia, and other innovators, providing training, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge digital tools to boost productivity and competitiveness.

“As part of our commitment, we aim to integrate digital technology into the growth strategies of at least 70% of participating MSMEs, connect over 100 MSMEs with digital enablers and financial service providers, and promote digital literacy and regulatory awareness — especially at the grassroots level,” she revealed.

She added that the theme of this year’s celebration perfectly aligns with MTN’s vision to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress. She called on stakeholders to deepen collaboration and build an inclusive digital ecosystem where no entrepreneur is left behind.

“Your businesses may be small, but your impact is immeasurable,” she concluded. “When MSMEs thrive, communities flourish and nations progress. MTN Ghana is proud to stand beside every entrepreneur on this journey.”

UNDP Highlights Global and Local Barriers Facing MSMEs

The  Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Shaima Hussein, highlighted  a comprehensive analysis of the common barriers facing MSMEs globally and in Ghana.

She identified administrative bottlenecks, such as challenges with registration, taxation, and certification; market access issues; inefficiencies in payment systems; and the critical lack of access to credit as key impediments to MSME growth.

Ms. Hussein stressed the need for improved digital and business management skills among MSME operators, highlighting how these challenges persist despite government interventions.

She commended Ghana’s recent initiatives, including the launch of the MSME Gateway Portal, and urged more financial institutions and development funds to step forward to support MSMEs with affordable credit.

Ms. Hussein also underscored the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Ghana hosts, to open regional and global markets for local MSMEs.

European Union Reaffirms Support for Ghanaian MSMEs

The European Union (EU) also reaffirmed  its commitment to supporting the growth and transformation of Ghana’s MSMEs through strategic investments and partnerships aimed at boosting competitiveness and resilience.

Timothy Dolan, Team Lead for Trade and Macroeconomics at the EU Delegation to Ghana, highlighted a series of initiatives designed to address key challenges facing Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

He noted that the EU’s support focuses on enhancing green growth, promoting digital transformation, and creating more inclusive opportunities for MSMEs.

Dolan pointed to the €17 million Green, Digital, and Inclusive Private Sector Development Programme, implemented in partnership with the Netherlands and the UN Capital Development Fund, which aims to help MSMEs adopt sustainable business practices, improve digital skills, and access new markets.

He also announced the €40 million  Pharmavax  initiative under the EU’s Manufacturing Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies programme.

This initiative, developed with Germany and GIZ, seeks to expand Ghana’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capacity to strengthen health systems, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.

“MSMEs are the backbone of Ghana’s economy, and the EU is committed to helping them become more competitive and resilient,” Dolan said.

Germany Strengthens Partnership with Ghanaian MSMEs

 The Country Director of GIZ Ghana,  Dr. Dirk Abmann also  echoed strong support for MSME development, highlighting interventions to improve energy efficiency, promote good governance, and provide digital skills training.

Dr. Abmann cited GIZ and GEA’s efforts that have supported nearly 1,000 MSMEs since 2020, helping them enhance digital literacy, adopt modern business tools, and improve workplace practices.

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh

News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Ike Dzokpo, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/mtn-undp-and-eu-partner-with-government-to-boost-msme-growth-in-ghana/

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