Government urges SMEs to turn digital visibility into sales as Ghana gets digital commerce labs

The Deputy Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana to leverage digital platforms to increase sales, create sustainable jobs and access international markets, as TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) launched the Digital Commerce Labs in Ghana.

Launched under the theme “Unlocking Growth for Small Businesses,” the initiative seeks to equip SMEs, young entrepreneurs and digital content creators with practical digital and entrepreneurial skills to grow their businesses and compete in the global marketplace.

Speaking at the launch, Adams said Ghana's ambition must go beyond getting businesses online to empowering them to translate digital visibility into increased sales, sustainable job creation and access to local and international markets.

He noted that although many small businesses had excellent products and enormous entrepreneurial potential, they lacked the digital skills, market access and business support required to maximise available opportunities.

He said the Digital Commerce Labs would help bridge this gap through training in content creation, brand development, social commerce, e-commerce, financial literacy and digital payments.

According to him, digital commerce presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs, including those in rural communities, to showcase their products, attract customers and build businesses beyond geographical boundaries.

Adams emphasised the importance of empowering young people and digital content creators, urging stakeholders to recognise content creation as an economic activity rather than viewing it solely as entertainment.

“With the right training and support, creativity can become an enterprise. Digital influence can create commercial opportunities, and young people can become employers rather than merely job seekers,” he said.

He further encouraged young people to recognise the entrepreneurial potential of their smartphones, describing the devices as powerful tools for innovation, business development and economic advancement.

The Deputy Minister said the initiative aligned with President John Dramani Mahama's economic transformation agenda, which seeks to use technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic growth.

He also highlighted the government's One Million Coders Programme and the 24-hour economy agenda as part of efforts to strengthen digital capabilities, expand productivity and create sustainable employment.

On the government's digital trade agenda, Adams disclosed that work was advancing on a National E-commerce Strategy to strengthen the policy and institutional environment for digital trade, particularly in areas involving sales, payments, logistics, consumer confidence and market access.

He also called for consumer protection, data privacy, cybersecurity, responsible online participation and respect for intellectual property to remain central to the growth of digital commerce.

Addressing young entrepreneurs and content creators, he urged them to focus on building sustainable businesses rather than simply pursuing online popularity.

“Do not just chase followers, build businesses. Do not just create content, create value. Do not simply seek visibility, build trusted brands that generate sustainable income and create employment,” he advised.

The Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Southern Africa at TikTok, Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela, said the partnership with ICC was informed by the growing role of the platform in helping businesses connect with customers.

She explained that TikTok had evolved beyond entertainment and was increasingly serving as a global discovery and search platform through which businesses could reach new audiences and attract customers.

According to her, the Digital Commerce Labs would combine TikTok's digital platform with ICC's expertise in enterprise and trade development to equip SMEs with the skills and tools needed to grow their businesses.

She said the programme would go beyond teaching entrepreneurs how to promote their products online to helping them understand essential business principles, including revenue generation, profitability and business sustainability.

Ncheke-Mahlaela added that the partnership would provide opportunities for businesses to reach customers beyond Accra, Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Acting Chair of ICC Ghana, Mohamed Samara, said the initiative would help young people transition from job seekers to job creators by encouraging them to establish businesses and employ others.

He explained that ICC would support entrepreneurs with knowledge of local and international trade practices, business regulations, contractual obligations, compliance and the protection of commercial interests.

Samara identified consistency and reputation-building as essential qualities for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital marketplace.

He noted that online entrepreneurs must be able to convince customers that products would be delivered according to advertised specifications, stressing that trust was particularly important when customers could not physically inspect goods before making payments.

Meanwhile, the Head of E-Business at UMB, Tubour Offei Agyemang, said the bank's participation in the initiative reflected the growing importance of digital platforms in modern business operations.

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He noted that businesses were increasingly moving their marketing and sales activities to social media because that was where customers could be found.

He said UMB had developed digital financial solutions to support businesses in collecting payments and improving customer experiences.

Among the solutions he highlighted was SpeedPay, a merchant payment platform that allows businesses to receive payments through QR codes and payment links.

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