MTN SME Accelerator Supports President Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Vision – GEA CEO

By Stanley Senya

Accra, April 11, GNA – Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), commended MTN’s SME Accelerate Program as a pivotal development for Ghana’s MSME sector. She emphasized that this initiative serves as an opportune support system perfectly synchronized with the country’s efforts towards achieving a round-the-clock economic environment.

Speaking at the launch of the programme on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ms. Ansei said the initiative resonated strongly with GEA’s mission to build a resilient, digitally empowered, and globally competitive MSME sector.

In her statement, she highlighted that in the rapidly changing modern world, success would favor individuals who can adapt to new developments, utilize technological advancements, and implement intelligent strategies to keep their enterprises thriving.

She detailed major steps taken by GEA to enhance digital transformation within the MSME sector, such as implementing the SME Innovation and Inclusion Program, launching Digitalize for Jobs (D4J) — a partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and advancing the U-Spark Project through the UNIDO KAIZEN Expansion Initiative backed by the Japanese government.

“These initiatives go beyond providing financial support; they aim to create an environment for innovation where micro, small, and medium enterprises—from village tailors to young entrepreneurs in agricultural processing—can flourish in the digital era,” stated Ms. Ansei.

Ms. Ansei stated that the MTN SME Accelerate Program aligns with the wider national development goals, particularly fitting into ex-President John Dramani Mahama’s forward-thinking strategy for a round-the-clock economy.

Ms. Ansei highlighted that President Mahama’s concept of a 24-hour economy goes beyond simply prolonging operating hours; it involves reshaping productivity, generating employment opportunities, and establishing enterprises capable of functioning round-the-clock. She further noted that for these goals to be achieved, Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) require access to digital resources, robust infrastructure, and collaborative alliances such as the one formed with MTN.

She commended MTN Ghana for expanding its role from just telecommunications to becoming a “tech facilitator” and encouraged local business owners in Ghana to utilize this platform to boost development and access international markets.

The MTN SME Accelerate Program aims to equip numerous micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises nationwide with digital resources, business assistance, and educational opportunities designed to boost their efficiency and expand their market reach.

GNA

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