Sustainable economic growth in Ghana will depend more on the strength of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) than on large corporations alone, according to MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett. He made this assertion at the launch of the MTN SME Accelerate Programme 2026, a year-long initiative designed to empower local businesses through digital transformation and capacity building.
Speaking at the event, Blewett emphasized that while SMEs dominate Ghana’s business landscape and account for a significant share of employment, many still operate below their full potential due to structural constraints. These challenges include limited access to capital, fragmented markets, informality, and low levels of digital adoption.
He stressed that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, businesses that are not digitally visible, financially integrated, and compliant with standards risk being excluded from valuable supply chains. To address this, the SME Accelerate Programme seeks to help enterprises transition from informal setups into structured, growth-oriented businesses, while adopting modern digital systems.
MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, reinforced the company’s commitment to supporting SMEs, describing them as the “lifeblood” of the economy. She noted that SMEs contribute nearly 80 percent of economic activity, making their growth essential to national development.
Stakeholders, including the Ghana Enterprises Agency and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, commended the initiative, highlighting the ripple effects SMEs create across communities when given the right support. Ultimately, the programme aims to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s entrepreneurial base and drive inclusive economic transformation.
Source: Business & Financial Times (BFT Online)
