The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Ghana) has urged Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana to leverage technology and Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance productivity.

UNDP Ghana organized the “Nimdie Series’ an initiative that seeks to close the information gap facing MSMEs and equip them with essential knowledge on how to grow and sustain their businesses.

This year’s event, held on December 9, 2025, at the British Council in Accra, focused on the theme “Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance Cluster at UNDP Ghana, emphasized the need for the initiative, noting that MSMEs form the backbone of Ghana’s economy.

“Artificial intelligence is very critical to the Ghanaian business value chain, which is why we are doing this to ensure that MSMEs who form the backbone bone of the economy are not left out. Also, knowledge of artificial intelligence in the coming years will be the game changer”, he emphasized.

He added that UNDP Ghana remains committed to carrying out series of engagement to equipment Ghanaian businesses in the coming years.

“UNDP will continue to bring more support to MSME through the Nimdie series. This year we’ve done engagements around Compliance and regulatory audits. We’ve done some around financial capacities or how to access financial support innovations, and now we’re doing Al and technology.

“MSMEs should look out for new and exciting packages from us. We’re currently working together with the Ghana Enterprise Agency on the Digital Gateway, which will be launching very soon next year, and also with the National Coordination office of the AfCFTA”, he added.

Resident Representative for UNDP Ghana, Niloy Banarjee also underscored the urgent need to harness the power of AI for women and youth-led enterprises to boost productivity amid the many challenges they face.

“It is important to understand how business regulations affect the ability of women and youth-led businesses to adopt technology and AI, especially as they already face unique challenges in the ecosystem. These businesses are often driving digital innovation, using technology and AI to create solutions that address local and global needs”, he noted.

Seth Akumani, Head of Exploration at UNDP Ghana noted that plans are underway to establish a regional university innovation Pod (UniPod) that would enable students to harness various skills on the use of digital tools and technology.

“Less than five percent of graduates in Ghana have ICT skills so UNDP has introduced an initiative which will see to the establishment of a university innovation Pod at our universities that will allow practical learning in addition to the theoretical learning”, he noted.

About UNDP Ghana’s Nimdie Series

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) introduced the MSMEs Nimdie Series, an initiative designed to equip Ghanaian Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge and skills to build sustainable, competitive businesses.

Derived from the Akan word Nimdie, meaning “knowledge,” this series focuses on critical business areas such as branding, business planning, marketing, financial management, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance. The initiative aligns with UNDP’s broader commitment to supporting MSMEs as key drivers of economic growth, employment creation, and innovation in Ghana.

The MSMEs Nimdie Series serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing, skill development, and networking, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and leverage opportunities, including maximizing the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Throughout 2025, there have been four sessions: two in-person and two online, during which subject matter experts shared valuable insights with MSMEs on key business topics. These sessions aimed to deepen awareness and drive the agenda for MSME growth and sustainability.