What if the key to business success is not just funding but knowledge and strategy?
In Ghana, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) make up approximately 92% of businesses. They are the backbone of the economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and powering industrial growth. Yet, many entrepreneurs face persistent challenges in areas such as branding, digital presence, financial management, and regulatory compliance that often that hinder long-term sustainability.
To address these challenges, the Nimdie Series, an initiative by UNDP Ghana, plays a vital role. It empowers MSMEs with practical knowledge, strategic tools and valuable networks to help them thrive and grow sustainably.
Derived from the Akan word for “Knowledge”, Nimdie is more than just an event, it is a transformative learning experience tailored to the real-world challenges of entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2024, the Nimdie Series has delivered four impactful editions, reaching approximately 300 MSMEs. Each edition focuses on key business themes designed to drive growth, resilience, and long-term success.
The first edition of the Nimdie Series focused on branding. It emphasized that branding goes far beyond just a logo, it is about crafting a strong, authentic identity that resonates with customers. MSMEs learned how consistency in messaging builds trust, how differentiation sets businesses apart in competitive markets, and how strategic positioning aligns product and services with customer needs and preferences. A well-crafted brand identity not only enhances visibility but also fosters long-term success and customer loyalty.
The second edition centered on Export Readiness, explored how expanding beyond local markets can unlock new growth opportunities when done with careful planning. MSMEs were guided through the essentials of international trade regulations, global quality standards, and strategic considerations needed to scale successfully. The session also explored the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement highlighting its potential to open up new markets and enable cross-border expansion across the continent.
The third edition focused on Digital Marketing as a transformative strategy for business growth. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to harness the power of social media platforms to effectively engage customers, leverage online advertising to boost brand visibility, and adopt e-commerce solution to expand sales beyond physical locations. In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for driving profitability and maintaining a competitive edge.
The fourth edition of the Nimdie Series provided a unique platform for MSMEs to directly engage with regulators and showcase their products and services. This dual-purpose approach fostered open dialogue, deepened understanding of compliance requirements, and promoted visibility for participating businesses. Entrepreneurs candidly shared their experiences and challenges, while regulatory bodies offered practical guidance on legal frameworks, tax obligations, and financial compliance. These meaningful interactions helped demystify regulatory processes, eased some of the barriers MSMEs face, and contributed to building a more supportive and enabling business environment in Ghana.
Entrepreneurs who participated in these sessions have experienced remarkable transformations, applying the insight gained to strengthen their business strategies and expand their market reach. Beyond expert presentations, Nimdie integrates the real-life experiences of MSMEs, demonstrating how knowledge-driven solutions can help businesses overcome hurdles and thrive.
Here are some stories from participants who have applied these insights to drive their business growth:
360 Naturalsm, Kumasi-based cosmetics brand, initially faced challenges with business structure and strategic planning. Through MSMEs training on Corporate Governance, they refined their processes, keeping proper financial records, managing risk, and positioning the business to attract investment.
In Tamale, Ayiba Products, a shea cosmetics producer, struggled with business documentation and financial transparency. After attending MSMEs’ governance training, the company developed a structured operational framework, improving efficiency and boosting investor confidence.
Agro-processing MSMEs like Sector’s Hub have also benefited immensely. Jacinth, an entrepreneur from the company, shared her experience:
“The series is enlightening! It has given us perspectives that MSMEs never knew existed. My social media engagement has improved, and I now understand regulatory compliance much better.”
Her experience reflects a widespread challenge among MSMEs navigating industry-specific regulations. She hopes future editions of Nimdie Series will offer more sector focused sessions with regulators to further ease compliance.
These stories reinforce a key insight: funding alone is not enough. Business growth also requires strategic positioning, branding, and proper business management. With UNDP Ghana’s continued support, MSMEs are not just learning, they are turning knowledge into action driving innovation and achieving business across industries. The impact of the Nimdie Series has been transformative, equipping entrepreneurs with practical strategies that fosters sustainable growth.
The journey of entrepreneurship is lifelong, and the Nimdie Series remains a trusted compass guiding MSMEs towards excellence and resilience.
“Through the Nimdie Series, knowledge becomes the catalyst that transforms challenges into opportunities, and MSMEs into engines of sustainable growth.”
By Putiere Eva, Project Assistant – Accountable Governance
Leave feedback about this