Prioritize social entrepreneurship – Nii Noi Omaboe
Story: Raphael Nii Trebi Hammond
SOCIAL Entrepreneur and Founder of Africa Sustainability Lab, Nii Noi Omaboe, has called on the government to prioritize social entrepreneurship by establishing strong institutional frameworks and mobilizing financial resources.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9fm, Omaboe stated the vital role of government policies in fostering an environment where social enterprises can thrive and create lasting impact.
“Government plays a huge role in social entrepreneurship, especially by setting the right policies and institutional frameworks,” Omaboe stated.
He explained that international donors and investors often assess a country’s policies before committing funds, making it critical for Ghana to streamline its processes for registering businesses and providing structural support for enterprises.
Omaboe pointed to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and the Ministry of Youth as key stakeholders in driving this change.
He proposed the creation of innovation hubs where young entrepreneurs could access resources, collaborate, and develop solutions in industries such as textiles, food security, and sustainability.
These hubs, he suggested, could serve as platforms for scaling ideas and reaching local, African, and global markets.
He further called on the government to mobilize funding for social enterprises, suggesting a dedicated $5 million fund to provide young entrepreneurs with access to capital.
According to Omaboe, such financial support would enable social enterprises to develop impactful projects, address local challenges, and contribute to national development.
“Enterprise-driven solutions must replace outdated models of linear job spaces, which are unsustainable and fail to provide meaningful opportunities for young people,” Omaboe said.
He urged policymakers to reimagine youth empowerment initiatives, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation instead of traditional employment models.
Omaboe concluded by emphasizing that social entrepreneurship has the potential to transform Ghana’s economy by creating sustainable businesses that generate value, empower youth, and drive inclusive growth. He called on the government to take bold steps to position Ghana as a leader in social innovation across Africa.
