The MTN Foundation marked another milestone today in supporting Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape, as it launched the Volta Region cohort of its transformative SME Support Programme.

The programme aims to foster resilience and growth among small businesses, especially those led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities, through training, financial support, and access to digital tools.

During the onboarding ceremony, the Senior Manager of the MTN Foundation, Robert Kuzoe, highlighted the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and its vital role in empowering micro and small enterprises across Ghana.

“We started this initiative last year, and this year we've done 50 in the Central Region. Today, we are here to also do another 50 in the Volta Region, and next week, we’ll be in Koforidua to do the same,” he said.

“Our partnership is dedicated to supporting women-led businesses, youth-led businesses, and differently-abled businesses. This initiative is a testament to MTN’s commitment to inclusivity—ensuring no one is left behind.”

Kuzoe emphasised that the program goes beyond financial aid by equipping participants with fundamental business skills, including digital literacy and mobile money applications.

“We’re not just providing money; we’re also imparting essential principles for running a business. From basic bookkeeping to using mobile phones for marketing and transactions, the goal is to empower participants to use their profits wisely and reinvest in their businesses rather than just spending,” he explained.

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, celebrated the SME programme's role in uplifting Ghana’s economy, noting the programme’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

“By empowering these businesses, we are not only contributing to their individual prosperity but also fostering a more dynamic and inclusive economy for all,” Wiafe shared.

In addition, the Executive Director of Innohub Foundation, Dr David Amo, highlighted the impact of the first year of the programme.

Beneficiaries of the first cohort reported revenue increases and expanded job creation, with total revenues rising from GH₵7,631,444 in 2022 to GH₵11,514,543 in 2023, and job numbers growing from 631 to 722.

As MTN’s SME Support Program enters its second year, it continues to empower small-scale enterprises with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to Ghana's economic resilience.

The programme will conclude its initial three-year cycle next year, after which the MTN Foundation will review its impact and refine the initiative to provide even greater support to future cohorts.