MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through sustained business education, digital transformation solutions, and practical capacity-building initiatives aimed at helping local businesses remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
According to Mr Mohammed Abubakari-Sidick, Head of SME Sales at MTN Ghana, many SMEs in Ghana continue to require continuous business exposure, operational support, and digital skills development to enable them to thrive in competitive markets both locally and internationally.
Speaking in an interview after the MTN SME Business Clinic held in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, Mr Abubakari-Sidick said MTN Ghana recognised the strategic role SMEs play in national economic development and had therefore positioned itself to support their long-term growth and sustainability.
He explained that the telecom giant views SMEs as one of the strongest pillars of Ghana’s economy because of their contribution to employment creation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and household incomes.
“MTN believes that most SMEs in Ghana require periodic business education and exposure to keep them thriving in competitive markets,” he stated.
He added that the company was committed to helping businesses improve their operational systems, strengthen financial management practices, embrace technology, and position themselves for expansion.
“As a company, we are pleased to build the capacities of small businesses, which are the strong pillars of the economy, to compete wherever they find themselves,” he said.
SME Business Clinic
The MTN SME Business Clinic forms part of a broader year-long program called ‘SME Accelerate’ initiative by the company to equip entrepreneurs with practical business management skills, technological solutions, and networking opportunities capable of transforming their operations.
The Koforidua edition of the programme brought together approximately 150 selected small and medium-sized enterprises from across the Eastern Region.
Participants received training in critical business areas including financial management, bookkeeping, packaging, branding, product labelling, customer engagement, and emerging business technologies.
According to Abubakari-Sidick, the programme was designed specifically to bridge operational and technological gaps identified within the SME sector.
He explained that research conducted among SMEs revealed that while many businesses demonstrate resilience and contribute significantly to economic activity, several continue to struggle with weak systems, inadequate digital integration, poor record keeping, and limited market visibility. Abubakari-Sidick indicated that the SME Business Clinic was therefore created to address these weaknesses by combining practical and theoretical business training with digital support solutions.
“This clinic is about helping SMEs identify gaps within their businesses and turning those gaps into opportunities for growth,” he explained.
The programme also seeks to improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian SMEs by exposing them to modern business practices and digital tools required in today’s marketplace.
Six-region rollout
MTN Ghana disclosed that the SME Business Clinic is being organised across six regions this year as part of efforts to extend business support services to entrepreneurs nationwide.
The company indicated that the Eastern Regional edition was the third clinic organised this year, following earlier programmes held in other regions, including the Volta and Ashanti Regions.
Abubakari-Sidick stated that three more regional clinics are expected to take place before the end of the year.
He stressed that the expansion of the programme reflects MTN Ghana’s growing focus and commitment in supporting enterprise development and strengthening Ghana’s private sector.
Y’elloBiz digital solution
A key component of the SME Business Clinic was the introduction of MTN Ghana’s Y’elloBiz solution, which the company described as a comprehensive digital package tailored specifically for SMEs.
According to him, the solution provides internet connectivity, website creation services, customised email domains, and digital communication tools designed to help businesses improve visibility and operational efficiency.
MTN explained that businesses using the Y’elloBiz router gain access to reliable 4G internet connectivity, enabling them to connect more effectively with customers and partners.
The package also supports SMEs to create websites for their businesses, giving them both local and global visibility.
“A website gives businesses visibility across the globe. Anyone anywhere can access the business online and learn about the products and services being offered,” he noted.
The telecom company further explained that many SMEs still rely on generic email platforms which often undermine professionalism and brand identity.
Under the Y’elloBiz solution, businesses are therefore supported to create customised email addresses linked directly to their business names.
According to Abubakari-Sidick, this enhances credibility, strengthens brand identity, and improves opportunities for partnerships and investment.
BusinessEye for remote monitoring
MTN Ghana also introduced participants to another digital innovation known as ‘BusinessEye’, a surveillance and monitoring solution designed to help entrepreneurs supervise their businesses remotely.Which is powered by both solar and the grid. He explained that many SME owners are unable to remain physically present at their businesses throughout the day and often rely on relatives or employees to oversee operations.
The BusinessEye solution allows business owners to monitor activities within their premises remotely through camera-based technology.
“The BusinessEye solution allows entrepreneurs to supervise and monitor their businesses even when they are away,” he explained.
According to him, the solution is aimed at improving operational oversight, reducing risks, and strengthening business continuity.
Support for women entrepreneurs
MTN Ghana also used the clinic to highlight the growing importance of women-owned businesses within Ghana’s SME ecosystem.
Abubakari-Sidick disclosed that women currently operate between 51 and 52 per cent of SMEs in Ghana, underscoring the critical role they play in economic growth and household livelihoods.
In response, MTN Ghana has developed a women-focused initiative known as ‘Adwumapa’, designed specifically to support female entrepreneurs.
The package provides affordable voice and data services, insurance support, telemedicine access, and other business support services tailored for women-led enterprises.
According to officials, the solution enables women entrepreneurs to access medical consultations remotely while continuing to manage their businesses. “This initiative is intended to support both the business growth and wellbeing of women entrepreneurs,” he explained.
Growing adoption
MTN Ghana disclosed that adoption of its SME-focused products and services continues to rise steadily across the country.
According to him, more than 102,000 users are currently benefiting from ‘SME Plus solution’.
In addition, over 31,000 women entrepreneurs are actively using the Y’elloBiz solution.’and 20,000 women-led businesses are on ‘Adwumapa package’.
Participants at the Koforidua Business Clinic commended MTN Ghana and its partners for the initiative, describing the programme as highly practical and impactful. Some participants said the combination of theoretical and hands-on business training had significantly deepened their understanding of financial management, customer relations, and business growth strategies.
Others noted that the exposure to digital business tools would help them modernise their operations and position their enterprises for long-term expansion.
MTN Ghana reiterated that it would continue investing in business education, digital transformation solutions, and capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening Ghana’s SME ecosystem and promoting sustainable economic growth.
