Tamale: The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), in partnership with AGRA, organized a Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Dialogue and Exhibition Fair in Tamale. The event aimed to explore innovative pathways for engaging young people in agriculture, particularly focusing on the rice, soybean, and horticulture value chains.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was attended by representatives from government agencies and institutions, academia, development partners, the private sector, and young entrepreneurs. It was part of the implementation of the Expanding, Mentoring and Coaching to Build Capacity and Expand Access to Technical and Financial Resources for Disadvantaged Youth in Agriculture in Ghana Project. This project is also a component of the Youth Employment for Food and Agriculture Programme, a strategic partnership between AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation.
The event, themed 'African Youth Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems and Decent Jobs in the Rice, Soybeans, and Horticulture Value Chains,' featured roundtable discussions, presentations, and exhibitions showcasing youth-led agribusiness innovations. Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, highlighted that the dialogue was part of a series of regional engagements leading up to the Agri-Innovation Alliance (AIA) Conference, which aims to build resilient food systems and promote youth-led transformation.
Mr. Gyan-Kesse emphasized the importance of innovations that create unique business ideas to address challenges within the agricultural sector. He noted that young people are not just participants but also leaders and change-makers. Through partnerships with AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation, KIC has supported thousands of young entrepreneurs across Ghana in developing viable agribusinesses that tackle real challenges in food systems. The dialogue aimed to forge connections, surface bold ideas, and set a policy agenda centered on youth involvement in agricultural transformation.
Dr. John Jagwe, an official of AGRA, reiterated the partnership's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and encouraging youth to engage in productive and environmentally sound farming enterprises. Madam Denise Amponsah, Women in Agriculture Officer at the Tamale Metropolitan Department of Agriculture, described the dialogue as timely, highlighting the potential of young people, especially women, in driving robust and sustainable agricultural practices. She encouraged participants to leverage the partnerships, knowledge, and expertise shared to explore opportunities in agribusiness.
Madam Mary Ali, a processor and participant, commended KIC and AGRA for providing a platform that equipped her with innovative ideas to excel in the agricultural sector. She appealed to the government and other development partners, including philanthropists, to prioritize establishing processing training centers to further enhance youth skills and create employment opportunities.
