The Vodafone Business Runway 2023 event brought together industry experts to share invaluable insights for SMEs looking to improve their operations and experience sustainable growth.
The theme for this year’s Vodafone Business Runway was “Good to Great with Vodafone: Innovate, Comply, and Expand.”
The event featured influential figures like Charlotte Amankwah of Ecobank Ghana PLC, Dr Ali-Nakyeh, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Andrew Ackah – CEO of Dentsu Ghana, and Ama Bawuah, board chair of Access Bank Ghana, who shared their expertise on strategies to transform SMEs into thriving enterprises.
Delivering the keynote speech at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, on Friday (29 September) the CEO of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai said the essence of the event was to give back to customers.
“People make a difference; invest with people,” she said.
On her part, Charlotte Amankwah of Ecobank Ghana PLC said SMEs are the engine of growth and critical for developing and emerging economies like Ghana.
The knowledge-sharing platform, which also aims to build the capacities of SMEs and share best practices with them, reaffirms Vodafone’s undying passion and commitment to help sustain businesses.
A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law underscored the importance of inter SMEs collaborations. Ali-Nakyeh added that self auditing is important because it reduces the exposure of penalties and interest to SMEs.
Beyond the business runway, Vodafone Ghana has consistently shown its commitment to the SME sector.
The president of the Advertising Association of Ghana and CEO of Dentsu Ghana, Andrew Ackah, talked about the importance of chalking success by being brutally knowledgeable about one’s target customers.
“Be your own storyteller; you need to create compelling stories and have a deep rooted purpose for your brand.”
Speaking on the topic ‘Structuring your SME for Success’, the board chair of Access Bank Ghana, Ama Bawuah, advised SMEs to find banks that are SME-friendly.
According to her, SMEs must act like corporations but move like small businesses.
In addition, as part of Vodafone’s SME Month, the company has rolled out a comprehensive suite of initiatives, including the introduction of 4G+ connectivity, device financing schemes, and the innovative One Business offering, designed to provide companies with a holistic communication solution.