Beyond the Blueprint: Ghana Showcases Digital Finance Solutions to Unlock Growth for Women and Youth-Led MSMEs

Accra, Ghana – 30 June 2026: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has convened donors, investors, and financial service providers to showcase five market-ready digital financial solutions designed to expand access to finance for women entrepreneurs and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Ghana.

Held in commemoration of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, the event, themed “Beyond the Blueprint: Putting Digital Finance to Work for MSMEs,” highlighted how innovative finance, digital solutions and strategic partnerships can help overcome persistent barriers to finance.

MSMEs account for approximately 92 percent of businesses in Ghana, provide nearly 80 percent of employment, and contribute around 60 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet many enterprises, particularly those owned by women and young people, continue to face significant challenges in accessing affordable capital due to stringent lending requirements, high interest rates, and limited collateral.

The event formed part of the Joint SDG Fund Programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity, a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana's digital economy and improving access to financial services for underserved businesses.

Five Innovative Solutions Ready for Scale

During the event, five financial institutions competitively selected for the programme's first phase presented fully developed and tested digital financial solutions tailored to the needs of MSMEs. Fido is developing a digital lending product designed specifically for small businesses; Adehyeman Savings and Loans, in partnership with Oze, a Ghanaian fintech startup specializing in digital recordkeeping and financial services for MSMEs, is introducing rural savings and loan products supported by digital credit scoring technology; Mobile Money Limited is developing merchant services and digital bookkeeping solutions for MSME agents; Solis Finance is building a digital savings and loans platform targeting informal enterprises and; Opportunity International is expanding microfinance products tailored for women and youth-led businesses.

The solutions were developed to address key barriers that limit MSMEs growth, including access to credit, financial management, savings opportunities, and business expansion support.

Moving from Innovation to Impact

While the event celebrated the successful development and validation of these prototypes, the focus now shifts to implementation and scale.

Under the next phase of the programme, the two top-performing institutions will each receive up to US$200,000 in catalytic funding to pilot and expand their solutions, providing an opportunity for development partners and investors to support innovations capable of transforming financial inclusion for Ghana's entrepreneurs.

For thousands of entrepreneurs operating within Ghana's informal economy, improved access to finance can enable entrepreneurs to invest, expand their businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economic growth.

Building a More Inclusive Digital Economy

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration among development partners, financial service providers, investors, and innovators in advancing inclusive economic growth.

As Ghana continues its digital transformation journey, initiatives such as the Joint SDG Fund Programme demonstrate how catalytic finance and technology-driven financial solutions can help bridge financing gaps and create new opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs who remain underserved by traditional financial systems.

"Beyond the Blueprint" served as a reminder that innovation creates meaningful impact only when it reaches those who need it most. By bringing together builders, partners, and donors, the programme is helping turn digital finance solutions into real opportunities for Ghana's MSMEs and paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient economy.

About the Event
The event was co-organised by UNCDF Ghana and the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, in collaboration with UNDP and UNCTAD, under the Joint SDG Fund Programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity, which seeks to strengthen digital ecosystems and improve productivity, access to finance, and economic opportunities for MSMEs across Ghana.