The event by MTN Ghana forms part of a year-long SME Accelerate Programme to empower over 600 local businesses across the country to boost Ghana’s economy.

SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing about 70% to GDP and creating nearly 85% of jobs nationwide.

MTN Ghana organized its fourth SME Business Clinic of the year, bringing together more than 120 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Ashanti region.

The initiative forms part of the company’s SME Accelerate Programme, aimed at building the capacity of businesses and enhancing their competitiveness on the global market.

Senior Manager for SME at MTN Ghana, Mohammed Abubakari-Sidic, says the clinic is designed to address the critical challenges SMEs face, including financial management, digital adoption, networking, and access to partnerships.

“We call it a clinic because we believe SMEs in Ghana encounter unique challenges that need practical solutions. Through this programme, we are equipping them with digital tools, financial management resources, and insurance packages to help them scale their businesses and compete globally,” he explained.

The SME Business Clinic has already been held in three other regions, with MTN targeting at least 600 SMEs nationwide by the end of the year.

Participating businesses are introduced to solutions such as Yellow Bees, a digital package that combines connectivity, website development, Microsoft 365, and a soft-phone service to help SMEs improve communication and online visibility.
A key concern raised during the programme was the lack of web presence among many Ghanaian SMEs, which hinders their ability to access international markets and funding.

Mr. Abubakari-Sidic explained that donors and potential partners often assess credibility by checking a company’s website, but many local businesses are absent online. “The Yellow Bees solution is designed to close that gap,” he noted.

MTN is also working with strategic partners including Sanlam Alliance and StarLife Assurance to provide insurance solutions to protect businesses from risks such as fire and loss.

The telecommunication company is also collaborating with other partners like CIGA Africa to open market opportunities for Ghanaian businesses both locally and abroad.

MTN believes that empowering SMEs through digital tools, insurance, and business development will not only strengthen enterprises but also drive national economic growth.

Participants praised the initiative for being practical and results-oriented.

Mr Sebastian Appiah, a Business Development Executive, said unlike other training programmes that are mainly theoretical, the clinic uses real case studies.

“It touched on financial management, documentation, and customer service gaps. These are real issues SMEs are facing daily, and the solutions provided were very helpful,” he said.

Another participant, Dr. Victoria Mensah Nyamadi, said the clinic highlighted the importance of adopting best practices even at the early stages of business.

“This programme has taught us that no matter how small your business is, you must do things right. Record keeping, formal recruitment processes, and accountability are key to growth,” she stressed.

She also emphasized that government’s support remains important to sustaining the growth of SMEs.

“There have been policies to support small businesses, but sometimes they don’t reach the grassroots. If agencies like the Youth Employment Agency intensify such interventions, it will help many entrepreneurs at the community level,” she added.

The next SME Business Clinic is expected to take place in Accra, as MTN continues to roll out its Accelerate Programme and prepare Ghanaian businesses for global opportunities.

Source: Stephanie Frimpong

Experts say the country risks missing out on the full benefits if digital marketing is not integrated into training.

The Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) with its partners have initiated a Digital Marketing program to empower educators in emerging marketing strategies to promote TVET.

At workshops, training centers, and vocational schools across Ghana, students are learning and honing their skills in carpentry, automobile, fashion, and other fields.

But in an era where customers are increasingly online, many of these young trainees lack the tools to market their craft digitally.

Industry analysts warn that without digital marketing knowledge; thousands of skilled graduates may struggle to compete in the global marketplace.

The ‘DigiMarkt’ program by the AAMUSTED seeks to empower training providers and learners to enhance the digital reading and entrepreneurship for TVET.

The 2-year project will support participants with modern digital skills, improve employability of TVET learners, establish a digital marketing laboratory and strengthen the resilience of TVET providers to meet demands.

Project coordinator at the university, Prof Yarhands Dissou-Arthur, highlighted the courses to be undertaken during the project implementation.

“DigiMarkt will introduce innovative teaching tools, online pedagogies, and cutting-edge digital technologies that will not only enhance learning but also equip the youth to practicalize technical and vocational education,” he noted.

Experts believe government investment in digital training infrastructure, teacher capacity, and policy frameworks will empower technical graduates to transform their skills into sustainable businesses.

The project is co-founded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Steinbeis Beratungszentrum, the Slovak University of Agriculture, INT@E, the Bolgatanga Technical University and Cape coast Technical University.

Vice Chancellor of AAMUSTED, Prof. Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, says the objective of the project aligns with the mandate of the university in making students competitive on the global market.

“Our mandate is to train students to become teachers in skills training and entrepreneurship. By bridging TVET and digital transformation, DigiMarkt provides a unique opportunity to position Ghana’s workforce for global competitiveness,” he noted.

Having spent over a decade working in Western media hubs, Nana Kwasi brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative strategies to the African media industry.

His expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, and audience engagement, making him a formidable force in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, Nana Kwasi aims to bridge the gap between Western and African media cultures.

He believes that by leveraging his experience and insights, African media can better resonate with local audiences while also attracting international attention.

“Nana Kwasi’s arrival marks a turning point for African media,” said a colleague who wished to remain anonymous. “His fresh perspective and innovative approach are exactly what the industry needs to thrive in today’s digital age.”

Nana Kwasi is already making waves with his plans to launch new digital platforms and multimedia content that cater to the diverse tastes and interests of African audiences.

Additionally, he envisions a future where African stories are told on a global stage, challenging stereotypes and amplifying voices that have long been marginalized.

“I’m excited to be part of this journey,” Nana Kwasi said in a recent media interview. “Africa has so much untapped potential, and I believe that with the right strategies and platforms, we can showcase the richness and diversity of our culture to the world.”

Nonetheless, Nana Kwasi Koranteng Obeng is poised to leave an indelible mark on Africa’s media landscape, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic industry.

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They chase status, power, and money. They are always looking to upgrade. They are purely transactional.

It hurts women as a whole when people call women “gold diggers.” But here’s a new gold for women to dig.

This is a positive use of the phrase “Gold diggers” which shouldn’t be offensive to women if they embrace it.

The digital marketing space is the new gold. It is now the gold that has value more than real gold and it is paying off.

However, women need to break the ideology that the digital media space is for men.

It’s important to note that women, like anyone else, can have diverse motivations for entering the digital marketing space.

Some may be driven by a passion for the field, a desire for career growth, or a genuine interest in the dynamic and evolving nature of digital marketing.

The rise of influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and YouTubers, including women in these roles, is another aspect of women’s involvement in digital marketing.

These platforms provide opportunities for personal branding, reaching a wider audience, and potentially generating income through partnerships and promotions.

It allows you to connect with prospective and existing customers, which is vital for business and brand awareness. 

Digital marketing is important because it helps in developing your creative mind and makes you stand out from your competitors in congested markets.

Not only is it essential for businesses, but customers also now heavily rely on it as a way of finding out about companies

It’s encouraging to see an increasing number of women entering the digital marketing space, which shift may be attributed to factors such as increased awareness, educational opportunities, and changing societal attitudes toward gender roles in the workplace.

A more balanced representation of genders can bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the industry, contributing to its overall growth and innovation.

The current distribution of 44.1% women and 55.9% men among digital marketing strategists suggests a move towards greater gender diversity, however, it’s essential to continue promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities to ensure a supportive environment for women in the field.

Initiatives such as mentorship programs, networking events, and educational outreach can further enhance the participation of women in digital marketing and related industries.

The Women in Tech agenda, with initiatives like the Women in Tech Hub, plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and promoting gender diversity in the digital marketing and technology sectors.

By actively working to empower and enroll more women in tech-related businesses, these initiatives aim to bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive environment.

The goal of empowering 5 million women and girls by 2030 is ambitious and reflects a commitment to long-term change.

It’s true that women, like men, enter the digital marketing space for various reasons, and personal or business gains are among them, notwithstanding, women who pursue digital marketing courses to enhance their skills and apply them to their businesses, especially in the context of thriving on social media have found gold. A gold they can leverage in the context of digital marketing strategies can indeed be instrumental for their business growth, visibility, and customer engagement.

Regardless of the initial motivation of “gold-digging” (i.e. making money), the increasing presence of women in the digital marketing space also contributes to a more diverse and inclusive industry which brings about a range of perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation within the field.

Creating professional digital media content, whether for personal branding, businesses, or as an influencer, can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. For women in the digital media space, however, there might be additional challenges or stereotypes to overcome, but many women have successfully carved out successful careers in this field and so can you.

It’s an undeniable fact that the digital media and content creation space can be challenging, and dealing with negative comments or criticism and dealing with stress and pressure can be challenging, especially with women who tend to be emotional can cloud their judgment.

Content creation for brands takes a lot of time and effort, so it can be disheartening to be insulted after putting in hours of work, nonetheless, handling negativity and criticism is indeed a skill that any woman in the content creation field needs to develop to accept constructive feedback.

It’s essential for women, to find ways to cope with such challenges, whether through building a support network, developing resilience, or seeking mentorship.

Bold and confident women who recognize their capabilities and contribute to the digital media space play a vital role in reshaping these perceptions.

Women photographers, data analysts, and digital media specialists are contributing to their respective fields.

Encouraging women to channel their skills and interests into professional use is vital to their success and bridging the poverty disparity.

With boldness and determination, women have the potential to take on prominent roles and make a substantial impact, contributing to the overall growth and diversity of these spaces.

The idea that any field, including digital marketing, is exclusively for one gender is outdated and limiting.

The digital marketing space is not for only men! Women must take their stands in the space and dig out the gold in a positive way.