Ghana Telecom Launches Free Training for 2.6M Small Businesses

More than 2.6 million small businesses operate across Ghana, but 92% remain stuck in the informal economy without a clear path to growth.

Telecel Ghana just launched its 2026 SME Month, a campaign designed to change that reality. The month-long initiative, themed "Connect to Growth: Unlock More," brings practical business support directly to entrepreneurs who need it most.

"Starting a business is one thing, but growing, sustaining and turning it into a thriving business is where the struggle lies for many SMEs," said Nii Lartey, Acting Director of Enterprise Business at Telecel Ghana. His team has built tools specifically to help businesses level up from informal operations to sustainable enterprises.

The company partnered with Ghana Enterprises Agency to launch Train-to-Scale, a free regional training program. Entrepreneurs can learn essential business skills, receive mentorship, master content creation, and get trained on Telecel's mobile payment system.

Habiba Sumani, Head of MSME Development at Ghana Enterprises Agency, emphasized why this matters. "When entrepreneurs can access reliable connectivity and understand how to use digital tools effectively, they are better able to reach customers, lower transaction costs, and participate more meaningfully in local and global markets," she explained.

The program includes The CEOs Unscripted with Delay, a candid conversation series where successful founders share their real stories. Topics cover mistakes, setbacks, technology choices, and proven growth strategies that actually work.

This year's initiative expands beyond the capital city of Accra. The Telecel Business Runway will bring the experience to Western Region, connecting existing SMEs, startups, financial advisors, and investors in person.

The Ripple Effect

The timing couldn't be better for Ghana's economy. When small businesses move from informal to formal operations, they create stable jobs, pay taxes that fund public services, and build wealth that stays in local communities.

Digital transformation sits at the heart of this shift. Telecel's Boss Plan product gives entrepreneurs high-volume data bundles that never expire, unlimited voice calls, and built-in SMS marketing tools to reach customers. Business owners can focus on growth instead of juggling multiple expensive services.

Alfred Neizer, Head of SME at Telecel Ghana, sees the bigger picture. "We want entrepreneurs to adopt a digital solution, make a valuable connection, access an opportunity or improve the way they operate," he said.

Entrepreneurs anywhere in Ghana can join by downloading the Telecel Play App or dialing a simple code on their phones. The program builds on years of previous SME support that has evolved from basic capacity building to AI training, business showcases, and comprehensive digital solutions.

When businesses grow from survival mode to sustainable success, entire families gain security and entire neighborhoods gain opportunity.