The 2026 cohort saw 90 SMEs selected for the 13-week programme, an increase from the 50 businesses trained in its maiden edition. Participants were grouped into three categories, namely,  30 women-led businesses, 30 youth-led enterprises, and 30 growth-stage SMEs reflecting a deliberate focus on inclusion and scaling capacity across different segments of the economy.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku, said the initiative formed part of the company’s broader strategy to support SMEs beyond connectivity. She noted that while many Ghanaian entrepreneurs demonstrated resilience and drive, gaps in areas such as financial management, digital tools and business structuring often limited their growth.

She explained that the programme was designed to bridge that gap by combining academic rigour with practical application, equipping participants with skills they could immediately apply to their businesses. She added that MTN’s support extended beyond the classroom, with mentorship and partnerships with investors to help businesses that were ready for funding.

President of Nova Business School Africa, Professor Matthew Tsamenyi, said the programme was focused on helping SMEs transition from small-scale operations into competitive players within regional and international markets. He highlighted the importance of capacity building, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where businesses must be equipped to expand beyond local markets.

He added that the partnership with MTN would continue to evolve, with discussions underway to introduce additional cohorts and expand the programme to other regions outside Accra, including the Ashanti and Northern regions.

A walkthrough of the programme by the Co-Director, Center for Women, Entrepreneurship and Youth at the Nova Business School Africa, Em Ekong indicated that the Mini MBA combined theoretical learning with practical tools, covering areas such as financial management, digital systems, customer management and value chain development. Participants were also expected to undertake a capstone project aimed at applying lessons directly to their businesses.

The programme she noted, would also include mentorship, peer learning and exposure to venture capital and private equity networks, positioning participants for growth beyond the training period.

Some beneficiaries from the first cohort also highlighted the programme’s impact on their business growth and mindset. Paulina Yaa Sange of PY Flats described the experience as a valuable opportunity, urging participants to take the programme seriously and remain intentional throughout. She noted that beyond technical knowledge, building strong customer relationships and maintaining a positive, respectful approach in business were key lessons that helped shape her journey.