MTN and Absa Bank Roll Out SME Accelerate Mini MBA to Boost Innovation and Sustainability

MTN Ghana, in partnership with Absa Bank Ghana and Nova Business School Africa, has launched a 13-week Mini MBA programme aimed at equipping 50 high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with advanced business and leadership skills to enhance their sustainability and competitiveness.

The programme forms part of MTN Ghana’s SME Accelerate initiative and was officially launched at The Palms by Eagle in Accra. The selected participants will undergo an orientation and introductory training session led by experts from Nova Business School Africa.

The training will also offer insights into the core modules of the Mini MBA and prepare participants for the intensive sessions ahead.

These sessions will cover essential business areas such as strategic planning, financial management, branding, digital transformation, succession planning, and market expansion.

The event brought together key players from the private sector, financial institutions, academia, and the SME development space, signalling strong support for efforts to professionalise and scale up Ghana’s SME ecosystem.

The 50 SMEs enrolled in the programme were selected from diverse sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, services, retail, and the creative arts. MTN Ghana nominated 30 participants, while Absa Bank Ghana selected 20 through its She Business programme, which is designed to support women-led enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Benedict Bentil, Senior Manager for Enterprise Marketing and Portfolio Management at MTN Ghana, said the initiative is part of MTN’s broader commitment to support SMEs beyond just connectivity.

“Many SMEs in Ghana have immense potential but lack the necessary business management tools and systems to grow. This Mini MBA aims to bridge that gap by providing entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, mentorship, and ongoing support to promote sustainable growth,” he said.

Mr. Bentil further noted that participants would benefit from personalized coaching and post-training support for an additional three months after the programme ends to ensure that lessons learned are effectively implemented in their businesses.

The MTN SME Accelerate Mini MBA is one of several initiatives under MTN’s broader Enterprise Business Solutions strategy, which seeks to empower SMEs through access to finance, digital tools, skills development, and strategic partnerships.

Mr. William Nettey, Head of Agribusiness at Absa Bank Ghana, emphasized that supporting SMEs, particularly women-led businesses, is a key priority for the bank. He expressed optimism that the Mini MBA would contribute significantly to building a more resilient and inclusive SME sector.

“Many entrepreneurs face daily challenges in accessing finance, formalizing their operations, or adapting to market shifts. By investing in their capacity development through this programme, we are helping them position their businesses for long-term success,” he said.

Professor Mathew Tsamenyi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Business School Africa, explained that the programme’s curriculum was developed with contributions from both local and international experts, ensuring that the content is practical, relevant, and tailored to the realities of the Ghanaian market.

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“This is not a theoretical MBA. It is a highly practical, case-based learning experience. The focus is on real challenges SMEs face, including business governance, financial planning, branding, succession, and market access both local and global,” Professor Tsamenyi said.

He added that high-performing businesses from the Mini MBA would be considered for international exposure opportunities, including potential participation in the Alibaba Business School training in China. This, he said, is aimed at broadening their perspectives and encouraging global thinking among Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

The participants, however, commended MTN Ghana, Absa Bank Ghana, and Nova Business School Africa for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.

Many of them  expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain practical business insights and engage with experienced facilitators, noting that the programme has come at a crucial time when SMEs are navigating post-pandemic recovery, economic uncertainty, and increased competition.

They also highlighted the potential of the Mini MBA to transform their operations, improve financial discipline, and position their businesses for sustained growth.

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo