Accra: The Ghana Hubs Network held its 2025 Annual Gathering of Hubs in Accra to strengthen collaboration and innovation across Ghana's entrepreneurship landscape. The two-day event, themed 'Resilient Hubs, Thriving Futures: Strengthening Ghana's Innovation Ecosystem,' brought together hub leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners, and policymakers to explore ways to accelerate inclusive digital transformation and job creation.
According to Ghana News Agency, a major highlight of the event was the launch of a Gender-Responsive Toolkit developed with GIZ and GFA Consulting Group to promote the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in the innovation space. Mr Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Chairperson of the Ghana Hubs Network, revealed the growing impact of hubs nationwide, noting that over 100 active hubs, including 80 under the Ghana Hubs Network, have trained 12,000 youth and women and supported more than 6,000 startups and small businesses.
He noted that the network in 2024 mobilised $4 million in funding support from partners such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), GIZ, Mastercard Foundation, and Ashesi University. He stressed the need for a supportive policy environment and called for the swift passage of the Startup and Innovation Bill. He also urged academia, government, and the private sector to deepen their commitment to youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Mr Yaw Adu-Gyamfi emphasised that Ghana's innovation future must be built beyond Accra and driven by young innovators and changemakers across all regions.
Madam Joan Selasie Ahiawordor, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NEIP, reaffirmed her outfit's commitment to strengthening innovation hubs to accelerate youth entrepreneurship across the country. She described the event as a vital platform where impact is created, ideas are shaped, and partnerships are built to drive the future of Ghana's innovation ecosystem. Madam Selasie noted that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools to reduce unemployment, foster innovation, and drive inclusive growth.
Highlighting NEIP's flagship initiatives, she mentioned the 'Adwumawura Programme,' a bold intervention aimed at creating at least 10,000 businesses annually, particularly targeting women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities. She explained that the Adwumawura Programme was not just about handing out capital but about providing a full support system, including business development services, mentorship, training, and market access to ensure sustainability. Madam Ahiawordor emphasised that NEIP views innovation hubs not merely as external actors but as foundational partners in the entrepreneurship journey. Hubs are where many entrepreneurs take their first steps, she said.
Mr Emmanuel Mumuni, Programme Component Manager at GIZ, reaffirmed the German development agency's strong commitment to the Ghana Hubs Network and emphasised the critical role of innovation hubs in advancing sustainable economic development. Mr Mumuni highlighted the steady progress of Ghana's innovation ecosystem, noting GIZ's long-standing support since the network's inception. He stressed that digital transformation was a key pillar of GIZ's development agenda in Ghana, particularly in job creation, entrepreneurship, and improving the macroeconomic outlook. 'We believe digital innovation is a major driver of sustainable economic growth,' he added.
The event also witnessed a panel discussion on private sector participation in the innovation ecosystem, with Madam Florence Toffa, Director of Mobile Web Ghana, and Alhassan Muniru, Digital Innovation and Partnership Manager at GFA Consulting Group, sharing deep insights in the area.
