Youth Opportunity and Transformation in Africa and King’s Trust Internationl proudly celebrated the culmination of the seven-month youth entrepreneurship programme; the Enterprise Challenge, with a grand finale event at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on March 27, 2024. The event, graced by the esteemed Founder of Fidelity Group and PTI Africa board member, Mr. Edward Effah, showcased the outstanding achievements of young entrepreneurs committed to sustainable business ventures.
The Fluffy Dust team waiting to present their pitch
The Enterprise Challenge Programme, with a focus on the green economy, served as a catalyst for empowering young individuals with essential skills for self-employment and enterprise success. Targeting tertiary institution students, the initiative aimed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and drive innovation, positioning participants as the job creators of tomorrow with a profound mindfulness for environmental sustainability through eco-friendly practices.
Eco Blend Team presenting their prototype to the judges
The Catholic Institute of Business and Technology, Design and Technology Institute, and Accra Institute of Technology, the three partner institutions, played pivotal roles in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit among youth through active participation in the challenge.
The EcoNet team pitching their business idea
In his inspiring address, Mr. Edward Effah stressed the importance of academic excellence and skill acquisition in realizing entrepreneurial dreams. He encouraged young innovators to remain steadfast in their educational pursuits while embracing skills development to transform their aspirations into realities.
Mr. Edward Effah – Founder of Fidelity Group & PTI Africa Board Member
The Enterprise Challenge featured two competitive components: The Business Simulation Game and the Green Business Pitch Competition. Eight teams from the partner institutions participated in the Business Pitch Competition, with six advancing to the finals. Additionally, 37 teams showcased strategic prowess in the Business Simulation Game, demonstrating an aptitude for real-world business scenarios.
The Eco Root Culinary Team pitching their business idea
Six experienced mentors were engaged to provide invaluable guidance to the finalist teams, supporting them in refining business ideas, developing prototypes, conducting market research, and preparing for final pitching sessions.
The Coco Craft team presenting their prototype to the judges
Following rigorous pitching sessions, the Eco Root Culinary team emerged winner of the Green Business Pitch Competition with their innovative concept of producing bamboo cutlery, while the Coco Craft team secured the first runner-up position with their idea of crafting bowls and cups from coconut shells.
The Eco Root Culinary team (winners) receiving their prize
Eco Root Culinary and Coco Craft received a total of GHS 19,000.00 and GHS 11,000.00 respectively as start-up grants for their business ideas. These total sums included additional generous contributions from the guest of honour, Mr. Edward Effah and the board chairman of YOTA, Prof. Joseph Tuffour. Winning teams of the Business Simulation game also went home beaming with a total of GHS 6,000.00.
The Coco Craft team(runners-up) receiving their prize
In his remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Edudzie, Executive Director of YOTA, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering the youth and fostering inclusive growth across Africa. Mr. Benjamin Freeman Mensah, Programme Lead of the Enterprise Challenge, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to partner institutions and mentors for their unwavering support and dedication.
As KTI and YOTA continue their collaborative efforts to empower youth and drive positive change, the Enterprise Challenge stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders poised to shape Africa’s future.
