The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation (Nkabom Collaborative) has expanded its transformative agribusiness training initiative to Kwadaso Agricultural College in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
The 10-day entrepreneurship and agribusiness training programme empowered 60 participants with practical entrepreneurial knowledge and innovative skills to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector into an economically sustainable and innovation-driven industry.
The Entrepreneurship Pillar Lead of the KNUST Nkabom Collaborative, Prof. Wilberforce Achiaw Owusu-Ansah, emphasised that the initiative was designed to shift students’ mindset from depending solely on formal employment to becoming innovative problem-solvers capable of creating opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
“Our aim is to equip you with entrepreneurial skills so that you will be able to make a difference,” he stated.
According to him, the programme seeks to nurture both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who can apply creativity and innovation to improve existing systems within organisations and industries.
“We are looking at people who are leveraging their innovation abilities and creativity, not only in businesses they establish themselves, but also in organisations they may work for,” he said.
Prof. Owusu-Ansah further indicated that the KNUST Nkabom Collaborative aims to address youth unemployment and underemployment by equipping participants with practical business development skills and supporting viable agribusiness ideas with funding opportunities.
“The first group has already been through the pitching competition, and we have awarded 16 of them funding to the tune of 180,000 dollars,” he stated.
He encouraged participants to develop bold and innovative agribusiness ideas capable of creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
“We are challenging you to come out with bold ideas that will help you build businesses that will not only help you, but also your families, Ghana, and Africa at large,” he added.
The Principal of Kwadaso Agricultural College, Mr. Albert Appiah Amoako, commended the Nkabom Collaborative and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology for extending the initiative to agricultural colleges across the country.
He explained that the programme forms part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship among students in agricultural colleges and farm institutes in Ghana, while equipping them with the skills required to establish and manage agribusiness ventures successfully.
Mr. Amoako further urged participants to take the training seriously and maximise the opportunity presented to them over the 10-day period.
“You are lucky to be part of these 60 participants in this programme for the next 10 days,” he said.
