Stanbic Bank Ghana has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Ghana’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), describing the sector as the “heartbeat of the nation’s economy.”

The pledge was made by Ms. Dinah Kaleo-Bioh, Acting Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank, during the 2025 International MSME Day celebration held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

The event, themed “Empowering MSMEs, Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future,” brought together key partners including the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), MTN Ghana, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GIZ, and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry.

In her keynote address, Ms. Kaleo-Bioh emphasized the pivotal role MSMEs play in Ghana’s economic transformation.

“At Standard Bank, we live by the mantra: ‘Africa is our home, and we drive her growth.’ Here in Ghana, Stanbic says with pride that this country is our home—and by supporting the real engine of our economy, our MSMEs, we are driving the country’s future,” she said.

She disclosed that Stanbic Bank has extended support to over 31,000 MSMEs across key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, trade, and services, disbursing more than GH¢163 million through unsecured loans, working capital, and asset financing solutions over the past year.

“True economic progress demands partnership. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with institutions like the Mastercard Foundation, Development Banks, GEA, and others—not only to provide funding but to build skills, nurture innovation, and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” she added.

One standout initiative is the BRIDGE-In Agriculture program, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which aims to provide affordable financing and digital tools to unlock the potential of agribusinesses across the country.

Additionally, through the Africa-China Trade Corridor, Stanbic Bank has supported more than 50 SMEs in sectors like cashew, cocoa, and cosmetics to access global markets and expand their export footprint through international trade expos such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).

Ms. Kaleo-Bioh also highlighted the impact of the Stanbic Business Incubator, the bank’s flagship entrepreneurship development initiative.

Since its inception in 2019, the incubator has mentored over 4,000 MSMEs, including more than 2,000 women-led businesses, offering advisory services, capacity-building support, and access to community markets.

International MSME Day is celebrated globally on June 27 to recognize the critical role small businesses play in fostering innovation, generating employment, and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

At this year’s celebration, Stanbic Bank once again stood out as a passionate advocate and dependable partner for Ghana’s MSMEs, amplifying its belief that when small businesses thrive, Ghana prospers.