Ghana’s agri-food sector is sitting on a major opportunity, but that opportunity will only become real when the private sector opens its doors to youth-led SMEs.
The Nkabom Venture Quest Bootcamp has set an ambitious target to empower 3,000 SMEs in Ghana’s agri-food ecosystem and create 55,000 jobs within 10 years. This is not just another entrepreneurship promise; it is a direct call to build the future of work through young business owners.
Ghana’s agri-food industry is valued at about US$10 billion, representing 36% of GDP, and is projected to grow to US$13 billion within five years. With 45% of Ghana’s workforce already connected to the agriculture value chain, the sector has the capacity to absorb thousands of young people if market access is made easier.
But training alone will not transform lives. Young entrepreneurs need buyers, contracts, procurement access, mentorship, and supply chain inclusion. Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, caterers, food processors, and large companies must move beyond speeches and deliberately buy from youth-led SMEs.
The old barrier of “whom you know” must give way to what young people can produce. The youth are ready. What they need is a fair opening.
If Ghana wants real jobs, then the private sector must stop admiring youth enterprise from a distance and start placing orders.
Youth-led SMEs do not need sympathy. They need access.
Story by Tanko A. Ibrahim
Source: thebftonline.com
