Stanbic Bank, PrymeAds support SME competitiveness in evolving market – Safoa Appietu-Ankrah writes

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.

By: Safoa Appietu-Ankrah, Head of Business Development at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic Bank Ghana