The year-long programme, which was launched at MTN House, on Friday, March 13, 2026 brought together policymakers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to explore ways of strengthening Ghana’s SME ecosystem and expanding opportunities for business growth.

Delivering the welcome address, the Chief Enterprise Officer of MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku described SMEs as the backbone of Ghana’s economic growth and innovation. She noted that while MTN has historically served as a connectivity partner for businesses, the company is now positioned as a catalyst for their growth. “We are not here today just to launch a programme; we are here to continue a movement. For years, MTN has been your connection. Today, we are your catalyst,” she said.

She explained that the SME Accelerate programme forms part of MTN’s commitment to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, training and partnerships required to operate better, faster and smarter in an increasingly digital business environment.

Angela announced that this year’s programme will include SME Regional Clinics aimed at bringing capacity-building opportunities closer to entrepreneurs across the country. The clinics will be held in major business hubs including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi. The sessions will provide entrepreneurs with training in digital tools, financial management and business mentorship.

She added that the initiative aligns with MTN Ghana’s 30-year journey in the country, during which the company has grown alongside local businesses and supported entrepreneurship across multiple sectors.

In a video message played at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett emphasised the critical role SMEs play in national development and the need to address structural barriers that limit their growth. He said, “As a technology and fintech platform operating on a national scale, we sit at a unique intersection of connectivity, financial services, data infrastructure and enterprise enablement. That position gives us both responsibility and opportunity. Our goal is to reduce the structural barriers that limit SME growth by enabling entrepreneurship through technology, strengthened business capability and investments in systems that support sustainable scale”.

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, described the SME Accelerate programme as a vital platform for empowering young entrepreneurs and driving Ghana’s economic transformation. He said “what drives entrepreneurs forward is the belief that something small can grow into something significant. Government can build the roads and create the legal framework, but it is the private sector that provides the vehicles that move on those roads. The MTN SME Accelerate programme is not just another initiative, it is a practical response to the aspirations of thousands of Ghanaian entrepreneurs who are determined to grow their businesses and compete in the modern digital economy”.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Margaret Ansei, commended MTN Ghana for launching the initiative, describing it as the type of structured private-sector programme needed to support SME development in the country. “This is the type of initiative that Ghanaians need,  a more of structured, private sector-led programmes designed to move businesses forward. When an SME grows, it does not grow alone. It pulls suppliers, employees, families and entire communities along with it”.

Some dignitaries present at the launch included Seth Akomani, a representative from UNDP, President of Nova Business School Africa, Prof. Mathew Tsamenyi, SME partners and others.

The SME Accelerate initiative, now in its third edition, is a year-long programme designed to support the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Ghana. This year’s activities will include SME clinics across six regions, business webinars, exhibitions, and curated networking opportunities for entrepreneurs. The programme will also feature targeted initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, youth-led businesses, family-owned enterprises and businesses run by persons with disabilities.

Poet Nana Asaase performing during the launch of SME Accelerate

Angela Mensah-Poku with MTN Executives and SME Partners launching the 2026 SME Accelerate

Hon. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, with Executives of MTN Ghana