The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Mastercard Foundation have forged a robust partnership aimed at tackling youth unemployment and stimulating economic growth in Ghana. This alliance, characterized by shared values and mutual respect, is committed to creating opportunities for young Ghanaians, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, to secure dignified and fulfilling jobs. GEA Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Margaret Ansei, recently led a delegation to the Mastercard Foundation’s Ghana office, underscoring the significance of this collaboration and expressing deep appreciation for the Foundation’s impactful contributions to poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement throughout the country. This visit served as both a testament to the strength of the partnership and a platform for evaluating the progress of the joint BizBox Project, a key initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs.
The BizBox Project, a cornerstone of the GEA-Mastercard Foundation partnership, represents a tangible effort to equip young Ghanaians with the necessary tools and resources to establish and grow successful businesses. This project, along with other initiatives supported by the Foundation, aligns with a broader vision of fostering a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana. The partnership aims to create 250,000 dignified and fulfilling jobs for young people by 2027, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Specifically, 70% of these opportunities are earmarked for women, and 10% are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), demonstrating a commitment to equitable access and empowerment for traditionally marginalized groups.
Ms. Ansei’s visit served as an opportunity to not only express gratitude for the Foundation’s transformative work but also to strengthen the collaborative bonds between the two organizations. She commended the Mastercard Foundation’s Ghana Country Director, Rica Rwigamba, and her team, including Gottfried Odamtten-Sowah, Head of Entrepreneurship, and Joseph Boateng, Lead for Access to Market, for their dedication and effective implementation of programs that align with the shared objective of improving living standards for Ghanaians. This visit symbolizes the ongoing dialogue and joint efforts to achieve the ambitious goals set forth in the partnership agreement.
The GEA delegation comprised key personnel representing various facets of the agency’s work, demonstrating the comprehensive approach to this partnership. Among the delegation were Ms. Habiba Sumani, Director of MSME Development; Mrs. Philomena Norman, Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Development Directorate; Ms. Antonia Assimeh Zigah, National Project Coordinator; and Mrs. Mary Nkrumah Inusah, Partnership Coordinator. Their presence reflects the agency’s commitment to leveraging its expertise and resources to effectively implement programs that support youth entrepreneurship, particularly among women and PWDs. This collaborative effort aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape in Ghana.
The Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to Ghana extends beyond the partnership with GEA, encompassing a wide range of transformative projects in education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. The Foundation’s focus consistently centers on empowering youth and promoting gender equality, recognizing the pivotal role these factors play in driving social and economic progress. By investing in these critical areas, the Foundation aims to create pathways to prosperity for young people, equip them with the necessary skills and resources, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for Ghana.
The GEA-Mastercard Foundation partnership stands as a shining example of collaborative efforts to address critical development challenges. By combining the GEA’s deep understanding of the local entrepreneurial landscape with the Mastercard Foundation’s global expertise and resources, this partnership has the potential to unlock significant opportunities for young Ghanaians. The commitment to inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and PWDs, ensures that the benefits of economic growth are shared broadly and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society. The ongoing dialogue, regular assessments of progress, and shared vision for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystemunderscore the enduring strength of this partnership and its potential to create lasting positive change in Ghana.
