Standard Chartered Adds Women-Led Startups to Accelerator Program

• Standard Chartered Bank Ghana welcomed 10 women entrepreneurs into its sixth Women in Tech Accelerator cohort
• The program has supported 84 women-led businesses and created over 120 jobs in Ghana
• This year’s cohort includes startups in health tech, agribusiness, clean energy, and digital commerce

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Plc has officially welcomed the 10 women entrepreneurs into its sixth cohort of women in tech Accelerator program, thereby continuing to champion women's leadership in technology and entrepreneurship in Ghana.

As an outfit of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre at Ashesi University, the program offers structured incubation support to women-led businesses in Ghana. It has assisted 84 female entrepreneurs in establishing businesses and helped to provide more than 120 employment opportunities, improving entrepreneurship capacity and opportunities for women in technology and innovation since its start.

The induction event took place at the head office of Standard Chartered Bank in Accra, and involved 10 female entrepreneurs who participated in a rigorous incubation process to provide them with skills, resources and networks to develop and grow their businesses.

The projects in this year's class are as diverse as agribusiness, health tech, sustainable fashion, food processing, education tech, digital commerce, clean energy solutions, and financial inclusion services. The chosen enterprises illustrate the increasing diversity of women's innovation solving local and global problems with technology solutions. Also, this year's cohort is more representative and involves persons with disabilities.

Wilhermina Danswoaa, a representative from the Wadmet Enterprise, highlights the inclusion aspect of the programme, pointing to the need for greater opportunities for women's businesses of all kinds. Sharing her excitement to become a part of the program,  she said: "Being selected for Cohort 6 is a major milestone for our business.” We are eager to refine our model, learn from experts, and position our solution for greater impact. This opportunity comes at the right time for us. We are excited to join a community of ambitious women founders and gain the support needed to scale confidently."

In the upcoming six months, the entrepreneurs taking part in this program will receive extensive training focused on business development, financial management, investor preparation, and technology integration. They will also be provided mentoring, technical support as well as connections to an extensive network of industry professionals and investors.

The gathering included significant stakeholders, ecosystem participants and programme partners as well as alumni that demonstrated that the Women in Technology initiative is still growing and continues to have an impact on innovation and inclusion in Ghana’s economy.

Mansa Nettey, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC stated that the Bank is committed to empowering women through the use of innovation.  “Through our Women in Tech programme, we are backing female-owned businesses with the skills, mentorship and networks they need to scale sustainable, tech-enabled solutions. When women entrepreneurs grow, they create jobs, strengthen communities and unlock new value across the economy." 

She added that this year marks 130 years of Standard Chartered’s continuous operations in Ghana. "By welcoming our new cohort during such a significant anniversary, we reaffirm our steadfast dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and growth in Ghana."

The Guest of Honour Clara Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) speaking to the participants said, “When women are given access to platforms such as the Women in Tech Accelerator, the impact extends far beyond individual enterprises. It strengthens value chains, deepens financial inclusion and stimulates broader economic participation. Empowered women entrepreneurs reinvest in their businesses, their families and their communities, creating a multiplier effect that drives sustainable growth and resilience across the economy. Initiatives like this are therefore not just about opportunity - they are about shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Ghana.”

Pearl Esua-Mensah, Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, noted: "The SC Women in Tech programme reflects our commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs to build resilient, future-ready businesses. By equipping women-led ventures with the tools, networks, and capital they need, we are strengthening enterprises and supporting climate resilience and sustainable growth."