MTN Ghana has launched the MTN National Business Pitch Competition to provide funding, mentorship, and digital business support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all 16 regions of the country.
The initiative, which offers a grand prize of GH¢300,000 and GH¢30,000 to each of the 16 regional winners, forms part of activities marking MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You.”
The competition is designed to help promising businesses overcome financial and operational challenges, strengthen their competitiveness, and create opportunities for expansion.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, said the initiative reflected the company’s appreciation of the significant contributions Ghanaian entrepreneurs have made to its growth over the past three decades.
She acknowledged the role of airtime vendors, mobile money agents, traders, and other small businesses whose activities and patronage have contributed to MTN’s success.
According to her, feedback from business customers highlighted the need for greater access to funding, professional guidance, and practical tools to support business expansion.
Ms. Mensah-Poku noted that many entrepreneurs faced challenges such as rising rents, delayed customer payments, and difficulties securing financing due to collateral requirements and limited financial records.
“Ghanaian entrepreneurs have demonstrated their skill and determination. What many need are the right tools, the right advice, and access to the right people,” she stated.
She explained that the competition would help businesses improve their operations, explore digital opportunities, and build valuable connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
She encouraged business owners nationwide to participate and urged industry partners, business associations, and the media to help extend the opportunity to entrepreneurs in communities across Ghana.
Competition to Cover All 16 Regions
MTN Ghana’s Senior Manager for SME Sales, Partnerships, and Business Broadband, Mohammed Abu Bakar Siddiq, said the nationwide initiative followed the success of the company’s Business Pitch programme, which has been organised over the past two years.
He explained that the programme reached about three regions this year, with positive feedback from participants prompting its expansion to all 16 regions.
Mr. Siddiq announced that the competition would begin in 2027 and run throughout the year, with the national grand finale expected towards the end of the year. Under the arrangement, three qualified businesses will be selected from each region, bringing the total number of participants to 48.
One winner will emerge from each region and receive GH¢30,000, while the overall national champion will take home GH¢300,000. He said the competition is open to eligible registered businesses owned by entrepreneurs of different ages and genders. Independent judges will assess participants throughout the selection process.
“At MTN, we value SMEs. We believe that when they receive the necessary support, they can grow into bigger companies, create jobs, and contribute to Ghana’s economy,” he said.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Outlining the application process, MTN Ghana’s Manager for Enterprise Segment and Product Development, Maame Ama Simpson, said interested businesses must be legally registered and have operated for at least one year. Applicants must also conduct business in the region where they register for the competition.
She explained that the required documents include a valid business registration certificate, Ghana Card, financial records, and a tax clearance certificate. Where a tax clearance certificate is unavailable, certain certificates or receipts issued by local authorities may be accepted.
Applicants may also provide evidence of business activity through a Mobile Money account or MoMo merchant account. Ms. Simpson clarified that MTN employees are not eligible to participate.
Applications will be submitted through a portal on MTN Ghana’s corporate website, with the link also shared on the company’s social media platforms. Each applicant must submit a written business pitch of not more than 1,000 words and a video presentation lasting a maximum of three minutes.
She said the application window will remain open for 10 days, during which interested businesses must submit all required information and supporting documents.
Regional Winners to Undergo Business Training
Ms. Simpson explained that the 48 shortlisted businesses will participate in pitching sessions across four zones, after which 16 regional winners will be selected.
The winners will attend a two-day boot camp featuring coaching, mentorship, and practical business challenges aimed at improving their entrepreneurial skills. Five finalists will subsequently be selected to compete for the GH¢300,000 grand prize at the national finale.
Beyond the cash awards, each of the 48 shortlisted businesses will receive 100GB of data to support their operations. Other benefits include access to digital business solutions, networking opportunities, mentorship, and vouchers.
The overall winner will also receive a high-end device, while an independent body will monitor the use of the financial awards to promote accountability.
The MTN National Business Pitch Competition is expected to strengthen Ghana’s SME ecosystem by equipping entrepreneurs with the financial resources, business knowledge, and technology needed to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to national economic development.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
