MTN Ghana, Nova Business School Africa Equip 88 Entrepreneurs To Scale Businesses And Drive Economic Growth

 MTN Ghana, in partnership with Nova Business School Africa, has empowered 88 entrepreneurs with advanced business management skills, strategic tools and practical growth frameworks to strengthen their enterprises, create jobs and contribute to Ghana's economic development.

The entrepreneurs graduated from a rigorous 13-week Mini MBA programme under MTN Business' flagship SME Accelerate initiative at a ceremony held at Palms by Eagles on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The annual programme is designed to build the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which remain the backbone of Ghana's economy. By equipping business owners with the skills needed to navigate increasingly complex and competitive markets, the initiative helps to unlock growth, improve business sustainability and strengthen entrepreneurial resilience.

Participants received intensive training in strategic finance, digital transformation, market research, organizational development and sustainable business management. The programme also challenged participants to develop practical solutions to real business challenges through capstone projects aimed at driving measurable improvements within their enterprises.

Selected through SME clinics organised across the country, participants were grouped into three cohorts: Women, Men and Hybrid, creating opportunities for peer learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs from diverse industries.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, MTN Ghana's Chief Enterprise Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, reaffirmed MTN Business' commitment to supporting SMEs beyond connectivity and technology solutions.

At MTN Business, we believe that when SMEs succeed, communities prosper, industries grow and economies become stronger. SMEs account for a significant share of employment and economic activity in Ghana, making their success critical to national development. Our role therefore goes beyond providing products and connectivity. We are committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to grow sustainable businesses and create lasting impact. Today, we celebrate not just 88 graduates, but 88 businesses with the potential to transform lives, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Ghana's future."

The impact of the programme was evident in the experiences shared by participants, many of whom described significant shifts in how they approach business planning, operations and growth.

Emmanuel Wesom Achiom, owner of 1st Koko Spot in Sowutuom, said the programme's focus on practical business challenges had transformed his decision-making and leadership approach.

Similarly, Nana Abena Oforiwaa Kwao-Adotey, founder of beauty brand Since Shea, said the training had provided actionable tools that were already yielding positive results.

From digital tools and proper bookkeeping to structured team building and our 90-day execution blueprints, I am walking away with practical solutions that I can immediately implement. My business has already started recording growth in key areas, and I am excited about what lies ahead."

President and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Business School Africa, Prof. Mathew Tsamenyi, underscored the critical role entrepreneurs play in national transformation.

If Ghana is to achieve sustainable economic growth, the private sector must lead the way. Entrepreneurs are the engine of innovation, productivity and job creation. Programmes such as SME Accelerate are helping to build the strategic leadership and business capabilities required to accelerate enterprise growth and strengthen Ghana's economy."

He noted that the strategic frameworks, business models and capstone projects developed during the programme position participants to drive growth within their organisations while contributing to broader economic transformation.

To ensure the benefits of the programme extend beyond the classroom, MTN Ghana and Nova Business School Africa will continue to support participants through structured post-graduation mentorship and performance tracking. The support framework will help graduates implement their capstone projects, embrace digital transformation, improve operational efficiency and unlock new business opportunities.

Through SME Accelerate, MTN Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering local businesses and fostering entrepreneurship. By investing in the growth of SMEs, the company is helping to create stronger businesses, sustainable jobs and a more resilient economy, advancing its purpose of enabling the benefits of a modern connected life for all.