The Radio for Digital Adoption Campaign (R4DAC) is a dynamic two-year initiative led by HapaSpace Innovation Hub to empower women-led small businesses in Ghana’s Ashanti Region through the use of digital technology. Launched in July 2024, R4DAC harnesses the widespread reach of local radio, live training sessions, mentorship, and peer learning to build the digital skills of approximately 1,000 women-led micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Through accessible, community-based programming, the campaign equips these entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to integrate mobile money, smartphones, social media, and other digital platforms into their everyday business operations.
R4DAC addresses a crucial gap in digital awareness and literacy among women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where digital adoption remains low. Many MSMEs have limited exposure to digital tools and are often discouraged by concerns such as mobile-money fraud or a lack of digital know-how. This campaign directly tackles these challenges by raising awareness, delivering practical training, and motivating participants to adopt new technologies that enhance their businesses. R4DAC also works to strengthen the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem through collaboration with local partners, including GIZ Ghana (the primary funder via its Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development project), the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI), and Kumasi-based radio stations like Ultimate FM and Race Course Information Centre.
Since its launch, R4DAC has already reached over 400 MSMEs through its engaging radio shows, field activities, and coaching sessions. Early results are promising: 66% of participants report increased confidence using digital tools, while radio listenership and in-person peer learning events continue to grow. With over 100 live listeners per episode and direct outreach in marketplaces such as Bantama Racecourse, the campaign is making digital learning both practical and participatory. In some cases, participants have taken the initiative to bring entire groups of local entrepreneurs together to engage with the radio content—amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.
Beyond training, R4DAC is laying the groundwork for long-term impact. A Digital Champions program is training selected women entrepreneurs to become peer-educators, spreading knowledge and fostering a culture of digital learning. Plans are also in place to launch a digital resource library, develop an alumni network, and expand future programming to include advanced topics like e-commerce and cybersecurity. Strategic partnerships with telecom and cybersecurity firms will further support trust and safety in mobile money use.
By the campaign’s conclusion in July 2026, R4DAC envisions a digitally confident, connected, and self-sustaining community of women entrepreneurs driving business growth and digital adoption across Ashanti. This initiative is more than a campaign—it’s a movement to close the digital divide and ensure that women entrepreneurs are equipped to thrive in Ghana’s evolving digital economy.
