In a significant move to bolster youth entrepreneurship in Ghana, UNESCO has partnered with ‘Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray’, a leading platform for business education and mentorship, to empower young entrepreneurs across Ghana and the broader African continent.
The collaboration is designed to foster innovation, provide practical business skills, and offer crucial mentorship to the next generation of business leaders.
In a recent video, Edmund Moukala, UNESCO representative to Ghana announced this partnership to address youth unemployment and economic challenges by equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build sustainable businesses. With a focus on education, mentorship, and access to resources, the initiative aims to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship among young people.
He highlighted the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the partnership aligns with UNESCO’s broader goals of promoting education, innovation, and sustainable development. “Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, and by supporting young people in their entrepreneurial journeys, we are investing in the future of Africa,” she stated.
The partnership will provide a series of entrepreneurship workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program will cover areas such as financial management, digital marketing, innovation, and leadership.
Participants will also have access to a network of seasoned business leaders who will mentor them through the various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The inclusion of success stories and case studies from established entrepreneurs will give young business owners insight into overcoming challenges and scaling their ventures.
With youth unemployment rates remaining a major concern across Africa, this initiative is seen as a timely intervention. According to recent data from the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of youth unemployment globally. The program seeks to bridge this gap by helping young people create jobs, not just for themselves, but for their communities as well.
The ‘Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray’ platform has already made a significant impact, hosting successful entrepreneurs who share their experiences and offer practical advice. With UNESCO’s backing, the program is expected to reach even greater heights, touching the lives of thousands of young entrepreneurs across the continent.
This second cohort builds on the success of the initial program, which was part of Bola Ray’s 25th anniversary in media and sought to nurture 25 innovative entrepreneurs under 30.
Cohort 2 expands the age range of eligible participants, now targeting deserving entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years old. The program offers a comprehensive three-month start-up support system for 15 selected participants, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to transform their ideas into successful ventures.
Key features of the program include Funding support to kickstart or scale participants’ businesses, Intensive training in various aspects of entrepreneurship, and Mentorship from industry leaders, including notable figures like KGL boss Alex Dadey and Special Ice Group Chairman Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, amongst others, Branding and marketing assistance to help startups gain visibility, and Bookkeeping services to ensure sound financial management.
The initiative aligns with broader goals of fostering economic growth in Ghana by empowering young entrepreneurs, encouraging job creation, and enhancing the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By providing this holistic support, the program aims to address the common challenges faced by startups, such as lack of resources, guidance, and access to networks.
The launch of Cohort 2 represents a continued commitment to this vision, offering hope and opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation.
Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply for what promises to be a transformative experience in their business journeys.
A past beneficiary of the program Prince Twumasi Osei said at the closing dinner of the Cohort 1 program “We are grateful for the experience, it has been a successful journey, and we have learned a lot. We never saw ourselves on this platform, thank you Bola Ray for the opportunity.”
