More than 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Accra Region are benefiting from training and business solutions aimed at improving productivity, digital transformation, marketing, and access to finance.
The initiative was part of the MTN SME Business Clinic, which brought together SME operators for practical training and exposure to resources designed to address some of the major challenges confronting businesses.
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Speaking at the clinic, Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, Senior Manager for SME Sales, Business Power Broadband and Partnerships, said digital transformation and access to finance remained critical challenges for many SMEs.
He said MTN had developed a number of solutions to help businesses adopt technology and improve their operations.
Among the solutions highlighted was Yellow B, which provides stable internet connectivity and enables businesses to create websites, allowing them to reach customers beyond the domestic market.
Mohammed also mentioned Microsoft 365, which provides productivity and collaboration tools such as Teams, enabling businesses to communicate and work effectively across different locations.
Another solution, Business Eye, provides CCTV monitoring that allows business owners to remotely monitor their shops and operations. The system also offers electricity and solar power options, with data stored in the cloud.
For women entrepreneurs, he said Adwumapa provides affordable data, voice, and other digital services. The platform also includes a “Doctor on Call” feature, allowing users to access medical support remotely, as well as insurance services.
Mohammed said MTN was also working with financial institutions through its SME Accelerate initiative to help businesses gain access to loans and other forms of financing.
He explained that MTN Mobile Money also provides loan-related services, with successful repayment potentially enabling customers to qualify for further financing.
We are here not only to educate SMEs but also to connect them with the digital tools, financial solutions and other resources they need to grow and scale their businesses,” he said.
Meanwhile, Richard Maglo, brand and marketing consultant and lead facilitator of the SME Business Clinic, urged business owners to move beyond traditional approaches to marketing and branding.
He explained that marketing had evolved from the production and sales eras to approaches centred on customer needs, relationships and sustainability.
According to him, businesses must understand their target customers before developing products and services, while also building lasting relationships through communication, feedback and customer engagement.
He further noted that sustainability was becoming increasingly important, with consumers paying greater attention to environmentally friendly products, packaging and business practices.
Maglo also discussed the emerging Digital Product Passport, which can provide consumers with information about products, including their lifespan, reusability and environmental characteristics.
On branding, he cautioned SMEs against reducing the concept to logos and visual identity.
Branding is not just about what you see; it is about what people see about you. However, you must also influence how you want them to perceive you,” he said.
The clinic ultimately sought to equip SMEs with practical knowledge, digital solutions, and financial opportunities to strengthen their businesses, improve competitiveness, and position them for sustainable growth in an increasingly digital marketplace.
