At a recent “Business for SMSEs – Connecting the Entrepreneurs” forum in the Ashanti Region, leaders of Ghana’s private sector urged a bold pivot toward digital transformation as the linchpin for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprise (SMSE) growth and broader economic stability.
Stephane Abass Miezan, President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), called on government to craft targeted policies that not only bolster industrial activity but also incentivize technology adoption among SMSEs. “Empowering entrepreneurs with digital tools will enhance efficiency, open new markets, and strengthen our currency,” he noted.
GCCI CEO Mark Badu-Aboagye stressed that while SMSEs contribute roughly 70 percent of GDP and generate 90 percent of jobs, their potential remains untapped without adequate support for digital upskilling. “Our national development hinges on modernizing these enterprises,” he said.
Absa Bank’s Ashanti Regional Manager, Martha Larbi, highlighted her institution’s role in financing SME tech initiatives, which have already created 56,000 jobs nationwide. She emphasized that public–private partnerships are essential for scaling digital infrastructure and training.
With 300 entrepreneurs and 170 exhibitors in attendance, the event showcased how e‑commerce platforms, mobile banking, and cloud services can transform traditional businesses into growth engines—reinforcing a collective call for policy frameworks that prioritize digital inclusion as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
