The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained over 30 indigenous Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with digital business tools and skills to enhance their growth.
The training was part of the third edition of UNDP’s ‘Nimdie Series’—an MSME Business Clinic Session.
It was on the theme, “Digital Marketing: A Transformative Strategy for MSMEs.”
During the event, participants learned how to effectively use digital tools, including social media, for branding, business planning, marketing, advertising, customer engagement, and financial management.
Dr. Edward Apratwum, Head of Governance and Inclusive Growth at UNDP, explained that the training was part of the organization’s effort to support MSMEs in scaling and achieving sustainability.
He said that UNDP’s research since 2021 revealed gaps in the digital presence of many MSMEs, prompting the organization to launch various initiatives, such as regular digital education, to bridge the gap.
“We believe that building their capacities will enable them to know the tools to use and to be digital savvy and use the skills gained to improve their digital entrepreneurship.
“The good part about what we’ve done is that the materials we’ve gained out of this capacity development series is available online in MSMEs, and take their own time, go and review the material, and use it to improve their digital marketing skills,” he noted.
Dr. Apratwum disclosed that the UNDP, in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprise Agency, was working on developing a digital gateway for MSMEs that would enable local businesses to access market space, trade and engage with global customers.
“We’re creating the gateway platform where MSMEs can go there themselves, find information over there, but also be able to engage in digital businesses or e-commerce on that platform,” he said.
Mr. Berima Amoaning Samuel, Founder, Flicker Technologies, said it was important for MSMEs to leverage various digital tools and enrich their knowledge in their use.
He said doing so would help businesses reach a global audience, improve brand awareness, lower the costs associated with traditional advertising, gain valuable customer insights, and build a strong customer community.
“Starting is difficult, but it’s good to be consistent and not give up within the few months… be patient to know and understand the platform to use and the audience,” he said.
Ms. Alima Bello, a fashion entrepreneur and creative director, urged MSMEs to consistently engage with their customers and leverage smartphones and digital media platforms to grow and sustain their businesses.
She also encouraged them to explore various Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, using them to generate ideas and adapt them to their daily operations.
