The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation has launched its ambitious “Business In A Box” (BIZBOX) initiative in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region.
The launch event, held on Tuesday, 20th February, 2024 at the Damongo Community Centre, also saw the sensitization of participants on the project, marking a significant step towards empowering Ghanaian youth by providing them with essential skills and resources.
The BIZBOX project aims to support 250,000 youth across Ghana in various trade sectors, including agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, creative industries, electrical work, woodwork, and joinery.
Targeting individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, as well as persons with disabilities, women-owned businesses, and youth-led enterprises, the initiative aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s vision to enable 3 million young women and men to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
During her address at the launch, Mrs. Kosi Yankey Ayeh, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency expressed optimism about achieving the set target of 21,000 youth with 70% being young women and 10% persons with disabilities, in the Savannah region.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration with implementing partners to mobilize resources and create an enabling environment for project implementation.
Mrs. Yankey highlighted that the BIZBOX Project builds upon the successes of the Young Africa Works Project, which created 94,000 jobs for Ghanaian youth between 2020 and 2022.
With a focus on providing skills development, mentoring, coaching, access to markets, and regulatory support, the new initiative aims to support 125,000 young women and men with start-up kits to establish new businesses and improve livelihoods.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in national development, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril, the Savannah Regional Minister commended the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment through initiatives like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme and GEAs Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Program (YEEP).
Madam Adam Christy Afisha, CEO of Christy’s Favoured Clothing and a beneficiary of previous GEA and Mastercard Foundation initiatives, shared her success story, highlighting how the support received enabled her to expand her business and train 14 apprentices.
She encouraged other youth to seize the opportunities provided by the BIZBOX project.
The launch of the “Business In A Box” project signifies a collective effort towards creating a conducive environment for youth development and entrepreneurship in Ghana, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
