The Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Agriculture (YEFFA) program, an initiative by AGRA in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is expanding into Ghana. This announcement was made during the National Youth Convening 2024, held recently at the Alisa Hotel North Ridge in Accra.
The event, organized by AGRA in collaboration with Ghana’s National Youth Authority, was themed “Unlocking Youth Potential for Sustainable Development: Bridging the Gap, Accelerating Success.” It brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and young Ghanaians to discuss the future of youth involvement in agriculture and sustainable development. The conference also included the Youth and Food Systems Transformation convening, organized under the YEFFA program.
YEFFA, a five-year initiative, has already seen success in Malawi and Tanzania. The program aims to empower over 1.5 million young Africans by helping them secure dignified and fulfilling work in agriculture. With its expansion into Ghana, youth will gain increased access to essential resources such as land and credit, sustainable agricultural practices, and grants to support their agri-business ventures.
The National Youth Convening served as a critical platform for action, emphasizing the importance of Ghana’s youth in leading the nation’s path toward sustainable development. Dr. Betty Annan, Country Director for AGRA Ghana, highlighted the potential of the country’s young population. “We at AGRA Ghana are incredibly enthusiastic about the role young people can play in transforming our nation’s agricultural sector,” she stated.
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With over 60% of its population under the age of thirty-five, Ghana has a vibrant and innovative youth demographic. However, young Ghanaians face challenges such as limited access to resources, training, and engagement platforms. The conference aimed to address these challenges by fostering dialogue on topics including peacebuilding, social cohesion, digital transformation, innovation, entrepreneurship, market access, agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, youth participation in governance, and job creation.
“The National Youth Convening and the expansion of the YEFFA program in Ghana are crucial steps towards empowering the youth to become the future leaders of Ghana’s agriculture,” Dr. Annan noted.
These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to Ghana’s youth, equipping them with the tools and opportunities needed for success. This, in turn, is expected to unlock Ghana’s full potential for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, Mr. Pious Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Agency, remarked, “We are confident that the Convening and the YEFFA program will be a game-changer for young Ghanaians in agriculture.”
Youth representative Francisca Nana Ama Asiedu, CEO of Naaf-KOK Enterprises, emphasized the importance of including young people in policy development. “Instead of making decisions for us, include us in the formulation process so that we can contribute our ideas. Moreover, the policies developed should be communicated in local languages to ensure broader understanding and impact,” she said.
Dr. Betty Annan reiterated the significance of empowering young agri-preneurs, stating, “Empowering young agri-preneurs is essential for a thriving agricultural sector and a ‘food-secured’ future for Ghana.”
These steps represent significant progress toward empowering young people and driving sustainable development in the country.
