The KNUST Nutrition and Sustainable Agrifood Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation (Nkabom Collaborative), has commenced an in-person session of its Virtual Partner University (UPV) Entrepreneurship Training at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Mampong Campus, in the Ashanti Region.

The training forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen youth participation in agribusiness by equipping tertiary students with practical entrepreneurial skills along the agricultural value chain.

The 5 day training brought together 40 participants from the Faculty of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Environment and Health Education, and the Faculty of Education and General Studies from the University.

Speaking at the opening session, the Entrepreneurship Pillar Lead, Prof. Wilberforce Achiaw Owusu-Ansah, underscored the long-term vision of the project, noting that it is designed to address unemployment and underemployment among Ghanaian youth.

 “This initiative seeks to create dignified and fulfilling jobs by empowering young people with entrepreneurial competencies,” he said.  

He further emphasised that the programme is part of a 10-year collaborative effort involving several Ghanaian universities and an international partner, with a strong focus on industry-driven solutions.

“The training integrates both technical and business-oriented learning, ensuring that you are not only knowledgeable in your various fields but are also equipped to translate that knowledge into viable businesses,” he stated.

He added that participants would have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas for funding, with support packages of up to $15,000 available for promising ventures.

The Project Coordinator at USTED, Dr. Benjamin Sarfo, described the collaboration as timely and transformative. He noted that the initiative provides a critical bridge between theoretical learning and practical application.

“This collaboration looks very attractive to us in terms of how to scale up our students with agripreneurship competencies. we are hoping to translate our classroom theories to form business ventures through the support of the Nkabom project,” he noted.

Dr. Sarfo further expressed optimism that the partnership would deepen entrepreneurial development within the institution and enhance students’ capacity to create sustainable businesses within the agri-food sector.

Lead facilitator Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah also encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the transformative potential of the programme. He pointed out that beyond acquiring business knowledge, participants stand to gain access to technical skills and financial support necessary to launch successful ventures.

“For me, the joy that I see about this project is that if you open up your heart and be very ready to learn, you will probably become a better version of yourselves” he remarked.

He added that the training is designed to be transformational, urging participants to remain committed and resilient throughout the process.