MTN Business has awarded a total of GH¢160,000 in cash prizes and business support packages to 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through its MSME Day Business Pitch Competition, reinforcing its commitment to entrepreneurship and business growth in Ghana.
The competition, held under the company’s SME Accelerate Programme, brought together 10 emerging Ghanaian businesses that pitched their ideas before a panel, showcasing their potential to drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to national economic development.
The finalists included 10-10 Foodie, Awhenepa Cookery, Edible Treats, House of Lush, Manehlla Foods, Tahir Field Recycling, Tropical Snacks, Bubune Africa Limited, Dyluri Beauty and Lebenam Skin.
At the close of the competition, Tahir Field Recycling, Edible Treats, Dyluri Beauty, Manehlla Foods and Tropical Snacks emerged as the top performers, each receiving GH¢30,000 in prize money. The five winners collectively received GH¢150,000, alongside business support tools aimed at enhancing productivity and growth.
The package included Business Eye solutions and MiFi devices to support operational efficiency and digital transformation.
In addition, the top three finalists will participate in the MTN Business Mini MBA Programme, organised in partnership with Nova Business School, while the remaining finalists will receive entrepreneurship and skills development training through E4 Impact.
Although Tahir Field Recycling and Edible Treats secured the highest scores during the pitching session, MTN Business decided to award equal prize amounts to all five winning enterprises, a move the company said reflects its commitment to creating opportunities for a broader range of SMEs to scale their operations.
The remaining finalists — 10-10 Foodie, Awhenepa Cookery, House of Lush, Bubune Africa Limited and Lebenam Skin — each received GH¢2,000, together with a range of MTN business products and solutions including Y’ello Biz Routers, Business Eye and other digital tools.
Speaking at the event, Mohamed Abubakar Siddiq, Senior Manager for SME Sales, Partnerships and Business Broadband at MTN Ghana, underscored the critical role SMEs play in the country’s economy.
“SMEs are the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation and economic growth. At MTN, we understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with building and growing a business,” he said.
According to him, initiatives such as the Business Pitch Competition and the broader SME Accelerate Programme are designed to provide entrepreneurs with the funding, digital solutions and business knowledge required to build resilient and sustainable enterprises.
“Our goal is to help SMEs unlock their potential, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tahir Field Recycling, Tahir Pumar, welcomed the recognition, describing it as a significant boost for the company’s growth plans.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. The prize money will enable us to increase production capacity, expand our operations and create additional employment opportunities for young people. We are grateful to MTN Business for investing in the growth of Ghanaian businesses,” he said.
The MSME Day Business Pitch Competition forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader strategy to support entrepreneurship through funding, mentorship, digital solutions and capacity-building programmes.
Now in its third year, the SME Accelerate Programme is a year-long initiative focused on strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of SMEs across the country. The programme features SME clinics, webinars, exhibitions and networking opportunities designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills, knowledge and business connections.
MTN said three SME clinics have already been organised in three regions, reaching more than 700 SMEs, with additional sessions planned for Accra, Takoradi and Tamale later this year.
Through the initiative, the telecoms company says it aims to deepen support for Ghana’s SME sector while contributing to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
Source: businesspostonline
