Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are not just small businesses — they are the backbone of Ghana’s economy. That was the strong message from Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, at the 2025 International MSME Day celebration in Accra.
Held under the theme “Connecting the Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Digital Opportunities for MSMEs”, this year’s event focused on using technology to help Ghanaian MSMEs grow. The celebration was hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) and the United Nations in Ghana, with support from the UN Joint Programme funded by the SDG Fund and the European Union.
Ms. Hussein highlighted that MSMEs make up over 90% of businesses in Ghana and create thousands of jobs. Yet, many still struggle with challenges like lack of access to finance, digital tools, and proper skills.
“Agriculture, for example, employs a lot of people, but contributes less than 15% to the economy. This shows we need to support MSMEs with better access to technology and finance,” she said.
One of the big highlights of the day was the launch of a new Digital Gateway, a one-stop online platform for business registration and support services. The gateway, developed with the Ghana Enterprises Agency and other partners, aims to make life easier for small business owners.
Ms. Hussein praised Ghana’s efforts in promoting MSMEs but said more still needs to be done. “Every small business in Ghana should have the tools to grow, compete, and succeed in today’s digital economy,” she stressed.
The UNDP, together with partners like UNCDF and UNCTAD, promised continued support to help Ghana build a stronger, more inclusive economy powered by its small businesses.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu