The Africa Health Collaborative at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has begun a 10-day Sustainable Business Start-Ups (SBS) training programme aimed at equipping students with practical skills to transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises.

Now in its fourth year and first cohort of this year, the Sustainable Business Start-Ups (SBS) programme forms part of Africa Health Collaborative’s Health Entrepreneurship pillar and continues to empower students to develop sustainable, impact-driven businesses within the health ecosystem and beyond.

Welcoming participants to the training, Professor Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, who leads the Health Entrepreneurship pillar, encouraged them to embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and purpose.

“You are beginning a new chain, and we should be excited about this,” he noted. “This journey will challenge you to think creatively, innovate boldly, and build businesses not just for yourselves or your communities, but for the world at large.”

He emphasized that the SBS programme goes beyond conventional business training, describing it as a transformative experience designed to help participants identify meaningful opportunities and, with guidance from experienced facilitators, refine them into impactful ventures.

“In today’s fast-moving and dynamic environment, creativity and innovation are not optional they are essential. Success in business is about seeing possibilities others may overlook and responding with relevance,” he added.

Mrs. Eva Boakye-Yiadom, Project Manager at KNUST Africa Health Collaborative, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations among participants.

“All that we do within the Africa Health Collaborative is to support you in realizing your dreams,” she said. “You applied for this programme because you see entrepreneurship as a viable path, and we are here to help you succeed.”

She urged participants to fully engage with the training, reminding them of the competitive selection process and the value of the opportunity they have received.

“You have been selected and given every opportunity to grow. Take this seriously so that, at the end of these 10 days, you can confidently say this has been an impactful and transformative journey,” she encouraged.