Ghana: GEA, Mastercard Foundation collaborate to empower 250,000 young Ghanaians for BizBox program

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Mastercard Foundation has launched a sensitization campaign for the innovative Business in a Box (BizBox) Program. This initiative aims to empower an additional 250,000 young people in Ghana, building on the successful collaboration established through the Young Africa Works Project.

The Young Africa Works Project, conducted from 2020 to 2022, surpassed its target by supporting around 94,000 young people more than double its goal. This assistance enabled them to establish businesses or secure meaningful employment. Leveraging this success, the BizBox Program now seeks to assist 250,000 young people in accessing dignified and fulfilling jobs over the next four years.

In Amasaman, Greater Accra Region – Gifty Animwaa Owusu, a participant of the GEA/Mastercard Young Africa Works Project Program, shares her story of transformation from a struggling individual to a successful business owner and mentor.

“When I had no one to turn to for assistance, the GEA/Mastercard Young Africa Works Program became my source of hope,” recalls Gifty AnimwaaOwusu. Her participation in the A2E program and the invaluable Start-up Kit support she received after her training have been pivotal in her journey. Gifty is now a thriving business owner, supporting not only her family but also mentoring young people in her community.

With this intervention, Animwaa has not only attained financial stability but has also earned respect and dignity. Her success serves as evidence of the transformative power of providing opportunities to young women. Reflecting on her journey, Gifty recognizes the impact of the business management training she received, which allowed her to meet the application criteria and successfully secure a grant through GEA.

Gifty Animwaa Owusu’s story stands as a compelling example of how focused support and empowerment can bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities. Her journey serves as a source of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and underscores the effectiveness of programs like the GEA/Mastercard Young Africa Works Program in creating positive impact.

“The BizBox program aims to enable and empower disadvantaged young people across Ghana, especially young women with first-time business startups, to acquire skills and access to startup kits, markets, finance, and technology to start, build, and grow their businesses. We believe it will improve the well-being and resilience of young entrepreneurs by creating an enabling environment, especially for agriculture and agri-adjacent businesses to thrive and contribute to national development,” said Rica Rwigamba, Country Director, Ghana, Mastercard Foundation.