On November 5, 2024, Madam Thywill Kpe, the Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, delivered an inspiring message to the youth at the Africa Youth Innovates (YAI) Fair, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with International Needs Ghana. Emphasizing the importance of a strong mindset, she encouraged young people from the Volta Region to “think big, dream big, and take action.” Madam Kpe highlighted that innovation stems from bold ideas and that embracing failure as part of the journey is essential for growth. By sharing that the only difference between them and visionaries like Steve Jobs is their mindset, she motivated the youth to seek practical solutions to real-world problems, emphasizing that their potential is limited only by their willingness to act.
The YAI Programme, which has been initiated with the support of the UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to promote youth-led innovation in Ghana. Project Director Cynthia Arday explained that this initiative’s goal is to identify, nurture, and amplify innovative solutions that can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8. As 38% of Ghana’s population comprises youth aged 18 to 35, this demographic faces significant challenges, including high unemployment and limited access to resources for education and entrepreneurship. Reports indicate that a quarter of these youth are not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET), with young women and persons with disabilities facing even more substantial hurdles in navigating their career paths.
Special emphasis has been placed on addressing the barriers to entrepreneurship experienced by young women and individuals with disabilities. Out of the over 200 innovators identified in the Volta Region, an impressive 70% are women, and 30% have disabilities, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Arday highlighted the significance of providing these young innovators with the necessary resources and platforms to help them nurture their ideas and contribute to job creation within their communities. The YAI Programme, launched in August 2024, has commenced with stakeholder meetings and training for scouts tasked with identifying potential innovators in the region, and it is now focused on providing specialized training and mentorship.
During the YAI Fair, young innovators showcased their inventive projects, drawing the attention of regional leaders and mentors from various institutions. Linda Klertz, a seamstress from Akatsi, presented her creative solution to environmental concerns by repurposing plastic waste into raincoats and dresses. She remarked on the prevalence of plastic waste in her town and aimed to create affordable, eco-friendly clothing from it. Another notable innovator, Jessica Ahorli, highlighted her project of making beads and bags from plastic waste, providing unique accessories while addressing local pollution and flooding issues. These examples underline the innovative spirit of the youth and their commitment to solving pressing community challenges through creativity and resourcefulness.
Madam Kpe underscored that taking action is paramount to realizing one’s dreams. She reminded the youth that innovation is often born from small, deliberate steps and encouraged them to view challenges as opportunities for perseverance. Arday reinforced this message by noting that many young Ghanaians often grapple with translating their ideas into tangible ventures due to a lack of funding and resources. The YAI Programme aims to bridge this gap by providing mentorship and financial support to transform their imaginative concepts into viable businesses. Participants were reassured that while the journey may be arduous, steadfast belief in their ideas and continued perseverance will ultimately lead to meaningful rewards.
As the YAI Programme nears its next phase, it will focus on providing further training to identified innovators, with those harboring strong business ideas advancing to receive essential resources for expanding their enterprises. Madam Kpe concluded her address with a reiteration of her encouraging message: “Think big, dream big, and put those dreams into action.” Her words encapsulated the vision of empowering Ghana’s youth to become leaders and innovators prepared to enact positive change within their communities and across the nation. The Young Africa Innovates Programme is thus positioned to foster a generation of bold thinkers ready to address pressing issues and contribute to Ghana’s future development.
