In Ghana, SMEs contribution to employment and poverty reduction cannot be underestimated. With over 70% of Ghanaian businesses categorized as MSMEs and contributing about 70% and 80% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Employment respectively, one cannot downplay their significance to the economy. Despite these significant strides made by the sector to national development, most SMEs as revealed empirically by experts, have still failed to reach their full potentials and reach a larger audience for a myriad of reasons. Key amongst them includes their inability to integrate ICT in their operations.


Based on this, the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding to commission a study into ICT Utilization among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana.

Broadly, the study sought to find out the Use of ICT by MSMEs in Ghana. In doing so, the study focused on the following specific objectives:
i. Examine the extent of ICT use by MSMEs
ii. Identify the ICT needs of specific categories of MSMEs
iii. Identify the barriers and challenges to ICT use by MSMEs

The findings from this Survey informed the introduction of the Digital Solution for MSMEs Project with special focus in the rural communities of Ghana.

The specific objectives of the project are to;
i. Increase use of digital solutions in recording keeping and accounting by MSMEs
ii. Adopt the usage of epayment platforms for business transactions
iii. Train and equip MSMEs in digital skills to enhance business operations.
iv. Training in the use of digital solutions and e-commerce applications for marketing and sales

Results
i. 400 MSMEs have been supported with SMART phones and laptops to enhance business operation
ii. 400 MSMEs Owners trained and equipped with digital skills to enhance their business operation
iii. 400 MSMEs have their records digitized and utilizing epayment platforms

http://www.gifec.gov.gh

• Walewale, Asumura, Kyebi, Berekum, Goaso, Asankragwa, Ghana

• Women
• The poor
• Remote and rural communities
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

This project can be replicated in other parts of the world. MSMEs play dominance in almost every country. Their contribution to the growth of every economy cannot be overemphasized. The integration of ICT have largely focused on large firms and business in the urban communities, leaving a chunk MSMEs particularity in marginalized rural communities utilizing the manual way of conducting business. Countries therefore should focus on providing and improving connectivity in rural communities to pave way for rural business to thrive and improve their performance digitally.

This project is Sustainable. The Ministry of Communications and GIFEC in partnership with Telecom Operators and Huawei is rolling out an ambitious Rural Telephony Project to provide data and voice connectivity to two thousand and sixteen (2,106) rural telephony sites strategically located in un-served and under-served communities in Ghana.

These sites will provide connectivity to over 300, 000 communities and provide opportunity for over three million people to connect with relatives and friends and improve business operation in marginalized communities. This will help promote growth and socio-economic development.

This project bring to the fore the important contribution of the use of ICTs among MSMEs as espoused in the GENEVA Plan Action. This has become phenomenal, recognizing the dominance of MSMEs and their contributing role in the local and national economy. The use of digital resources, use of digital payment platforms and the acquisition of digital skills training among marginalized groups especially in the remote and neglected rural communities will help bring about the transformation, promote digitization and participate in the digital economy.