For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have become the go-to spaces for marketing and customer engagement. However, this heavy dependence comes with risks—algorithm changes, account restrictions, or even platform shutdowns can significantly disrupt business operations overnight.
Recognizing this vulnerability, pan-African payments company Payaza has launched a game-changing initiative: providing free customized websites to SMEs in Ghana to offer them a more stable and scalable digital presence.
“For instance, if your business relies solely on social media platforms for sales, you are vulnerable to disruptions beyond your control. We will create a dedicated website for you at zero cost, giving you a more stable and scalable platform to grow your business,” said Seyi Ebenezer, Group Chief Executive of Payaza.
A Broader Effort to Support SMEs
Beyond digital tools, Payaza has also introduced a GH¢15 million SME Support Fund aimed at addressing the financial struggles many small businesses face. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to SME growth, limiting their ability to expand, innovate, and compete effectively.
“The GH¢15 million SME Support Fund is designed to bridge this gap by providing businesses with the financial backing and digital tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Today, SMEs contribute about 70 percent to our GDP. SMEs constitute 92 percent of all businesses in Ghana. That is huge,” Mr. Ebenezer emphasized.
The fund is structured to support businesses that demonstrate financial activity over a three-month period. Payaza will assess transaction volumes and extend credit worth 25 percent of an SME’s revenue—without requiring collateral. The company has also partnered with local financial institutions to facilitate the process.
Expanding Across Africa
Payaza, founded in 2021, has experienced rapid growth across Africa and beyond. The company now operates in 23 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. It has also secured regulatory licenses in key international markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), and Canada.
“We are the first payment company in Africa that is licensed in the UAE,” Mr. Ebenezer noted. He revealed that Payaza processed over US$1 billion in 2023, marking a 9,000 percent growth from the previous year. In 2024, this figure skyrocketed to US$20 billion, and the company projects a total processed volume (TPV) of US$10 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
With over 10,000 businesses onboarded since its inception, Payaza continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s fintech ecosystem.
This offering of free websites and financial support will not only provide solutions but also help SMEs secure their future in an increasingly digital world.
