Advans Ghana Unveils GH¢20m Mmaa Mpuntuo Facility for Women Entrepreneurs

Advans Ghana Savings and Loans Limited has introduced Mmaa Mpuntuo, a GH¢20 million loan facility aimed at boosting financing access for women entrepreneurs across the country. The product is being piloted with support from Development Bank Ghana (DBG), which has committed the initial capital, and CapitalPlus Exchange (CapPlus), which helped design the offering and is assisting selected branches in preparing for the rollout. The initiative forms part of Advans Ghana’s Advans Her gender programme and seeks to address financing gaps identified through research and direct engagement with women customers.

Women now make up 61 percent of Advans Ghana’s client base, yet many remain among the smallest borrowers. In 2025, the institution disbursed over GH¢900 million to more than 15,000 clients, with monthly disbursements averaging close to GH¢100 million. The new facility offers lower interest rates and processing fees compared to standard loans, flexible collateral requirements, faster processing times, mentorship, business and marketing support, and automatic enrollment in EduSave, a savings account that provides higher interest rates for women saving for their children’s education. Financing can be used for working capital, business expansion, premises acquisition, equipment, and other productive assets.

The facility targets women aged 18 and above, including both existing and new customers, who are operating or seeking to grow a business with a clear growth plan. It is initially being introduced through selected Advans Ghana branches, with plans to expand based on feedback from borrowers, branch staff, and relationship officers during the pilot phase. The success of the initiative will be measured not only by loan volumes and repayment rates but also by how borrowers use the funds to secure contracts, build savings, and invest in their families.

DBG’s involvement underscores its broader commitment to financing women-led enterprises. The development finance institution has previously disbursed GH¢1.4 billion to approximately 600 women-led businesses across all 16 regions of Ghana under its first five years of operation. The GH¢20 million allocation to Mmaa Mpuntuo is part of a larger GH¢300 million women-focused fund launched in August. Michael Mensah-Baah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of DBG responsible for Investment, stated that when women businesses grow, economies grow, and DBG will monitor the pilot’s impact on job creation and income generation, with potential for additional funding based on performance.

Barbara Odei, Chief Sales and Distribution Officer at Advans Ghana, emphasized that the program is designed to ensure women have both access to capital and the knowledge needed to succeed. She stated that the institution wants to support women in securing larger contracts, managing their enterprises effectively, and investing in their futures. Eligible women can apply through any of Advans Ghana’s 21 branches nationwide or via the company’s toll-free line at 0800-355-355.

Advans Ghana, licensed by the Bank of Ghana and a subsidiary of the Advans Group based in Europe, has been operating since 2008 with a mission to provide accessible financial solutions to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and individuals. The institution currently serves over 157,000 clients across nine regions through its network of 21 branches. It has previously launched other targeted products such as the Restart Loan for businesses affected by climate shocks and has been recognized for client protection standards, including receiving a Silver Level Certification from the MicroFinance Rating Agency.