- MTN Ghana introduced business solutions that were geared to help women entrepreneurs
- The solutions aim at removing digital barriers that restrict women's access to Ghana's formal economy
- The conference was attended by leaders and experts who gathered to address the issues that confront women in business
MTN Ghana introduced focused business solutions that enable support for women entrepreneurs and bridge digital barriers hindering their access to Ghana's formal economy.
The launch was during the "She Builds" Conference on September 10 at the Accra International Conference Centre in partnership with The Academic Woman Foundation.
Even when women perform 80 percent of the informal economy in Ghana, there still exists a multitude of challenges for development.
Policymakers, business leaders, and advocates worked together at the conference to share the systemic barriers women entrepreneurs encounter, including but not limited to limited formal network, strategic mentorship opportunities, financial sectors and digital technological aspects.
Angela Mensah-Poku, the Chief Enterprise Officer for MTN Ghana, stated that one of the biggest barriers was the element of exclusion to digital devices.
A case in point is how women often register phone numbers on their husbands' names, limiting their access to mobile money, bank services, and other digital business tools.
She stressed that a digital identity such as a phone number, KYC details, and a Ghana Card is required to enable individuals to access larger economic opportunities.
To tackle these issues, MTN Ghana launched the Adwumapa Bundle, which provides affordable voice, data, SMS, and lifestyle services via the 5060# platform.
The service is meant to enable women-owned businesses to stay connected, develop brand identity, and increase operations.
On top of that, MTN Ghana unveiled other services including Y'ello Biz and Webwiz to complement women entrepreneurs.
The conference determined that the elimination of digital barriers, enhanced access to formal financial institutions, and targeted mentorship could empower women business owners to expand beyond subsistence businesses and make a significant contribution towards economic growth.
MTN Ghana's collaboration with The Academic Woman Foundation is a strategic move to merge corporate capital with academic knowledge to tackle the socioeconomic problems of women entrepreneurs. With Ghana positioning itself as a regional business center, enabling women with digital solutions is regarded as a means to enhance its competitive position in West Africa's growing economy.
