GIPC holds forum for young entrepreneurs

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), in partnership with Joy Business and the African Network of Entrepreneurs (TANOE), has organised the Young Entrepreneurs Forum (YEF) for the youth.

The event, held in Accra, was on the theme: ‘Connect. Accelerate. Grow.’

The one-day forum was to share GIPC’s strategy and expose young entrepreneurs to the GIPC ACT 865; sensitise them to strategically prepare their businesses for partnerships; create an avenue for captains of industry to interact with young entrepreneurs and promote dialogue between this category of private sector and the Government of Ghana.

It was attended by more than 300 businesses owned by young entrepreneurs who were also introduced to the GIPC.

GIPC made its functions known to them and how the agency was available to provide support for growing businesses through various service offerings.

The three invited speakers at the event, the General Manager of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, Ms Hamdiya Ismaila, CEO of Agro Africa Ltd, Mr Kwabena Opagya Amoateng, and CEO of Hubtel, Mr Alex Bram, spoke on various aspects of partnerships, networking and how they were important intangible assets to a growing company.

One hundred participants were also selected to attend a one-hour mentoring session with leading business minds which included the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIPC, Mr Yofi Grant, the CEO of L’AINE Services, Ms Ellen Hagan, the CEO of McDan Shipping, Mr Dan McKorley, the Managing Director, New Times Corporation, Ms Carol Annang, the CEO, Accents and Arts, Ms Constance Swaniker and the Creative Director/Founder, Aisha Ayensu.

Others were the Managing Director of Kasapreko Company Limited, Mr Richard Adjei, CEO of Airtel, Ms Lucy Quist, Executive Director of Devtraco Ltd, Mr Joseph Aidoo, Founder and CEO of expressPay, Curtis Vanderpuije, and owner of Sowgreen Organic Farms Ltd, Mr Kobina Hudson.

At the forum, Mr Grant encouraged the participants to help make Ghana the best place to do business on the African continent.

He noted that Ghana’s smart, educated youth were a rich dividend that continued to be the engine of innovation and growth for the country.

“You are in the position to market the country. You have the dreams, drive and determination to move this country even higher.

It takes cooperation, partnerships to make great things happen,” he told the participants.

He emphasised that the centre was created to support all types of investment in Ghana, domestic and foreign, saying “GIPC facilitates investments that help our country forge ahead - both local and international—it is important that Ghanaians invest in their country and we are here to help make sure that happens.”