Vodafone Ghana has extended its commitment to SMEs by instituting a programme to provide investment opportunities and advice for these businesses in Ghana.

In a partnership struck between the telecom company, NexInnova and Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), Vodafone seeks to foster innovation and creativity for SMEs whilst making them globally competitive.

The partnership will operate through a common network – Bizlynx – which was launched last week as part of the programme.

Bizlynx will be a three-phase programme that will advance local innovation, digitalisation and create a pipeline of investment prospects that address the business challenges of these small and medium companies.

Commenting, Angela Mensah-Poku, Director of Vodafone Business Solutions said: “We are excited about this unique programme, which will help address two of the key challenges facing our SME customers - innovation and funding. We are persuaded that this initiative will transform the face of SMEs in Ghana and, to some extent, the sub-region.”

Participating SMEs will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of investors for partnership and financial support, at the end of the programme.