Accra: The Financial Inclusion for Last Mile Actors (FILMA) Programme is proactively working towards creating 80,000 jobs for young people in Ghana by 2028. This initiative is primarily focused on supporting women and persons with disabilities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme is backed by the Mastercard Foundation as part of its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to address rural unemployment through inclusive financial access, skills development, and enhanced agricultural market access.
In partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation, FILMA played a significant role in the 8th Agricultural Students' Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD). This flagship event serves as a bridge connecting agricultural students with industry leaders. The collaboration is a part of FILMA's efforts to engage and empower the next generation of agribusiness leaders.
During the event, Mr. Joseph Boateng, FILMA's Lead for Access to Markets, underscored the critical role of youth in transforming Ghana's agricultural economy. He emphasized FILMA's mission extends beyond mere job creation to restoring dignity, building resilience, and reshaping rural communities through sustainable agriculture. Mr. Boateng encouraged students to view agriculture as a mission to feed, build, and lead, rather than just a job, a message that resonated with the hundreds of students present.
FILMA is targeting young women for at least 70% of its job creation efforts, with 5% dedicated to persons with disabilities. By operating across districts in the Volta, Oti, Bono East, and Northern Regions, the programme seeks to combat exclusion by providing access to financial services, micro-insurance, and technical training.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, lauded the partnership with FILMA, highlighting the alignment between FILMA's inclusive vision and Agrihouse's mission of nurturing a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. The core ambition of FILMA is to integrate financial inclusion interventions into the agriculture and agriculture-adjacent sectors (AAAS), paving the way for dignified and fulfilling jobs.
Agriculture is a vital sector for Ghana's economy, significantly contributing to its GDP and employing a substantial portion of the workforce, especially in rural areas. FILMA's mission is to address youth unemployment and financial exclusion by enhancing access to affordable credit, inclusive financial services, and thriving markets for young people involved in the AAAS. The programme focuses on up-skilling and capacity building, empowering financially excluded LMAs, boosting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Beyond direct job creation, FILMA aims to effect real change on the ground by building capacity for effective solutions and sustainable development outcomes. It seeks to enhance the availability of affordable and sustainable financial services, ensuring equitable access for LMAs, fair pricing, and sustainable trade. FILMA also aims to integrate LMAs into formal pension schemes and improve accessibility to micro-insurance.
The programme's outcomes will result in strengthened financial inclusion, enhanced resilience, and improved livelihoods for LMAs across target regions. The roles of the Consortium Partners, such as Temple Investments Limited, Catholic Relief Services, AV Ventures LLC, and SEND Ghana, are crucial in driving these initiatives forward. Each partner brings unique expertise to ensure the effective implementation of FILMA's interventions, addressing both demand and supply-side challenges to financial inclusion.
By focusing on gender equity and adopting a community-based approach, FILMA offers a promising pathway to transform agriculture into a viable career option for thousands of young Ghanaians.
