Five market-ready digital financial solutions designed to expand access to finance for women entrepreneurs and youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Ghana have been showcased at an event in Accra.
Organised by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the event highlighted how innovative finance, digital solutions and strategic partnerships can help overcome persistent barriers to finance.
The event formed part of the Joint SDG Fund Programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity, which is a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana's digital economy and improving access to financial services for underserved businesses.
Held in commemoration of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, the event, themed “Beyond the Blueprint: Putting Digital Finance to Work for MSMEs,” brought together donors, investors, and financial service providers.
MSMEs account for approximately 92 per cent of businesses in Ghana, provide nearly 80 per cent of employment, and contribute around 60 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Yet many enterprises, particularly those owned by women and young people, continue to face significant challenges in accessing affordable capital due to stringent lending requirements, high interest rates and limited collateral.
Solutions ready for scale
The five financial institutions competitively selected for the programme's first phase at the event presented fully developed and tested digital financial solutions tailored to the needs of MSMEs.
Fido, a mobile lending app, for its part, is developing a digital lending product designed specifically for small businesses; Adehyeman Savings and Loans, in partnership with Oze, a Ghanaian fintech start-up specialising in digital recordkeeping and financial services for MSMEs, is introducing rural savings and loan products supported by digital credit scoring technology; Mobile Money Limited is developing merchant services and digital bookkeeping solutions for MSME agents; Solis Finance is building a digital savings and loans platform targeting informal enterprises while Opportunity International is expanding microfinance products tailored for women and youth-led businesses.
The solutions were developed to address key barriers that limited MSMEs' growth, including access to credit, financial management, savings opportunities and business expansion support.
Participants at the event
For thousands of entrepreneurs operating within Ghana's informal economy, improved access to finance can enable entrepreneurs to invest, expand their businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economic growth.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration among development partners, financial service providers, investors, and innovators in advancing inclusive economic growth.
"Beyond the Blueprint" served as a reminder that innovation creates meaningful impact only when it reaches those who need it most.
By bringing together builders, partners and donors, the programme is helping turn digital finance solutions into real opportunities for Ghana's MSMEs and paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient economy.
