Ghana Celebrates MSMEs as Engines of Economic Transformation in the Digital Age
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards economic empowerment and sustainable development, with the International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day taking center stage. Under the evocative theme "Empowering MSMEs, Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future," the national celebration, spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI) in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and various partners, underscores the vital role of MSMEs in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. This year’s event emphasizes the government’s renewed focus on leveraging digital technologies to propel MSMEs into the global marketplace and foster a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape. The commemoration serves as a platform to showcase success stories, facilitate knowledge exchange, and connect entrepreneurs with essential resources for growth and expansion.
At the heart of this national initiative lies the recognition of MSMEs as the backbone of Ghana’s economic transformation. Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has emphatically reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where MSMEs can flourish, innovate, and compete on a global scale. The vision is to equip Ghanaian MSMEs with the tools and resources necessary not just for domestic success but also for active participation in international supply chains. This strategic approach recognizes the immense potential of MSMEs to contribute to national prosperity and global competitiveness. The Minister’s call to action extends to development partners, financial institutions, and private sector leaders, urging them to join forces in building a robust MSME ecosystem capable of delivering inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.
The 2025 MSME Day serves as a pivotal moment to spotlight the transformative power of digitalization. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), has highlighted the event’s focus on promoting the adoption of digital tools by MSMEs, aiming for at least 70% participation. The ambitious goal of connecting 200 enterprises to crucial digital and mobile banking infrastructure further emphasizes the commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering MSMEs to leverage technology for enhanced productivity and market access. This year’s celebration underscores the crucial link between digital transformation and long-term resilience, equipping MSMEs to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The international community has also rallied behind Ghana’s efforts to empower its MSME sector. Arianna Gasparri of UNCDF, representing the United Nations in Ghana, highlighted the significance of the MSME Day within the broader context of the UN Joint Programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity. This program, funded by the European Union through the UN Joint SDG Fund, exemplifies the collaborative approach necessary to unlock the full potential of MSMEs. Beyond mere financial support, the initiative focuses on building robust systems and fostering private sector investment in underserved markets, creating a sustainable foundation for MSME growth and development.
The private sector plays a crucial role in supporting MSME development, and MTN Ghana has emerged as a key partner in this endeavor. Angela Mensah Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer for MTN Ghana, commended the GEA for its efforts in uniting stakeholders to support MSME growth. MTN Ghana’s commitment to providing smart digital tools and MoMo solutions exemplifies the private sector’s contribution to empowering MSMEs with the resources they need to operate more efficiently, expand their reach, and thrive in the digital age. This partnership underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to foster a supportive environment for MSME growth.
The 2025 MSME Day celebration in Accra promises to be a dynamic and impactful event, bringing together over 250 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, private businesses, development partners, financial institutions, and academia. With over 1,000 virtual participants expected to join the livestreamed proceedings, the event will reach a wide audience, amplifying the message of MSME empowerment and fostering a sense of collective purpose. The diverse range of activities planned, including a high-level policy dialogue, MSME business clinics, a digital innovation showcase, capacity-building sessions, and a Made-in-Ghana exhibition, will provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing the ingenuity of Ghanaian entrepreneurs. The emphasis on practical support, such as access to real-time advice on business compliance, finance, and growth strategies, further solidifies the event’s commitment to equipping MSMEs with the tools they need to succeed. The celebration serves as a powerful testament to Ghana’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust and resilient MSME sector, poised to thrive in the digital age and contribute significantly to the nation’s sustainable development agenda.
