Stanbic Bank Ghana has strengthened its
support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the launch of a
practical digital skills training programme designed to help businesses expand
their reach and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
Delivered in partnership with PrymeAds and
facilitated through the Stanbic Business Incubator, the initiative brings
together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business development consultants
to build capacity in critical areas such as digital marketing, content
creation, direct marketing, and data analytics.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head
of Business Development at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Safoa Appietu-Ankrah,
highlighted the urgency for SMEs to embrace digital transformation, noting that
it is no longer optional but essential for business survival and growth.
She explained that the Bank’s ongoing
engagement with businesses nationwide, particularly through its Stanbic SME
Clinics has consistently revealed a growing demand for hands-on digital skills.
Many entrepreneurs, she noted, are eager to expand their online presence but
lack the practical expertise needed to do so responsibly and effectively.
“In today’s rapidly evolving business
environment, digital transformation is no longer optional; it is essential.
Businesses must be equipped to connect, compete, and grow in a digital-first
economy,” she said.
The training programme, she added, forms
part of Stanbic Bank’s broader quarterly interventions aimed at responding to
the evolving needs of SMEs. By prioritising practical learning, the Bank seeks
to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, enabling
participants to build stronger digital brands and deepen customer engagement.
The initiative comes at a time when Ghana’s
MSME sector faces increasing pressure to adapt to changing consumer behaviour,
particularly the increased reliance on online platforms for trade and services.
For many small businesses, especially those operating in retail, agriculture,
and light manufacturing, digital visibility has become a critical driver of
growth and market access.
Mrs Safoa Appietu-Ankrah noted that Stanbic
Bank views digital transformation not only as a strategic banking priority but
also as a key driver of long-term sustainability for its clients. She
emphasised that equipping MSMEs with the right digital tools ultimately
strengthen the broader economy by improving productivity, resilience, and
competitiveness.
Inclusivity remains a central focus of the
programme, particularly for women- and youth-led enterprises. The Bank
acknowledged that many women entrepreneurs continue to face structural
barriers, including limited access to skills, networks, and growth opportunities.
Through targeted initiatives such as the
digital skills training programme, Stanbic Bank is actively working to close
these gaps by creating pathways for women entrepreneurs to enhance their
digital presence and scale their businesses with confidence.
“At the Stanbic Business Incubator, we
remain intentional about fostering innovation, digital transformation, and
inclusive growth, particularly for women- and youth-led enterprises,” she
stated.
Beyond the training sessions, Stanbic Bank
is positioning its Business Incubator as a long-term support hub for
entrepreneurs. Participants were encouraged to leverage the facility’s free
workspace and access advisory support from business development consultants to
aid onboarding and business growth.
Safoa Appietu-Ankrah, Head of
Business Development at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Business and Commercial Banking,
Stanbic Bank Ghana
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