Opplift, a sustainable development organisation focused on the economic empowerment and growth of entrepreneurs in developing communities, has organised the maiden edition of the OPPLIFT Youth Entrepreneurs Summit 2026, held on Friday, 2 October 2026, at the British Council Auditorium in Accra, under the theme “Build to Thrive: Equipping Young Entrepreneurs for Success in Ghana.”
The summit gathered business leaders, industry experts, key stakeholders and approximately 100 young entrepreneurs to explore practical approaches to starting, building and sustaining businesses in Ghana.
Through its programs such as the Farm in A Barrel (FIAB), Opplift seeks to complement broader efforts to expand job creation, strengthen vocational and apprenticeship opportunities and promote inclusive economic participationfor young people in developing countries.
The first session featured Guest Speaker, Mr. EkowMensah, who urged entrepreneurs to become intentional about how they use their time and resources while recognising the value of their skills.
Among the key lessons shared were the importance of avoiding relationships and activities that do not contribute to one’s purpose, understanding the value of time, mastering the art of selling and knowing when to engage professionals to handle specialised aspects of a business.
The second session focused on “Effective Use of Social Media by Startup Businesses”, delivered by Mr. Stephen Naasei Boadi, a seasoned Marketing Consultant who explained how startups can use social media more effectively as a tool for visibility, communication, customer engagement and business growth.
The third session featured a panel discussion involving business leaders and industry experts such as Richard Ohene Sika, Fashion Educationist and Talent Manager, Josephine Toudeka, Founder of Toudeka’s Enterprise and Eugene Wilson Ocran, Programs Manager at Opplift who shared their entrepreneurial experiences and insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with building businesses in Ghana.
A major highlight of the summit was the unveiling of twelve (12) young beneficiaries selected to receive seed funding, logistical support and mentorship to help them start their ventures.
The summit, the first in the series will be held annually, giving each new generation of young entrepreneurs a place to learn, connect and access opportunities that can contribute to the growth and sustainability of their businesse. It was held with support from Immix Law group, Flyrise, Launchava, Patch Pro and Council of Entrepreneurs, GHOne TV and Starr FM.
