UG Launches Second Cohort of NKABOM Venture Quest Bootcamp to Strengthen Youth Agribusiness Skills
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
The University of Ghana, through the NKABOM Collaborative at UG, has launched the second cohort of the NKABOM Venture Quest Entrepreneurial Bootcamp to equip young people with practical skills in agri-food entrepreneurship, climate-smart innovation, business planning and value chain development.
The programme forms part of the broader NKABOM Collaborative initiative involving the University of Ghana, McGill University, Mastercard Foundation and other partner institutions, aimed at addressing youth unemployment, food insecurity and economic inclusion through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Albert Ahenkan, described the initiative as a transformative platform designed to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in Ghana’s food systems sector.
He explained that the bootcamp combines intensive training and mentorship with practical field exposure by linking participants with farmers, food processors and industry players to provide real-world experience in agribusiness.
According to him, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice by bringing together students, researchers, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders to develop innovative and scalable business solutions.
Prof. Ahenkan stressed that the future of Africa’s food systems depends largely on innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people.
He noted that the initiative provides opportunities for participants to engage directly with stakeholders in the value chain while developing practical solutions to challenges within the sector.
He also highlighted the increasing importance of digital tools, climate-smart agriculture and artificial intelligence in transforming agribusiness and improving food production systems across Africa.
On his part, the Collaborative Lead at the University of Ghana, Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, described the NKABOM Collaborative as a transformative initiative aimed at creating inclusive and innovative opportunities for young people under 35, including women, persons with disabilities and displaced persons.
He explained that the project focuses on strengthening food systems through collaboration, education, entrepreneurship and research.
Prof. Aryeetey emphasized that agriculture and food systems represent major economic opportunities capable of transforming lives and creating wealth.
“The real gold around us is food. It is in what we grow, process, eat and how we nourish our people,” he said.
He observed that despite the sector’s potential, many farmers and young people are unable to fully unlock its value due to existing challenges.
According to him, modern agriculture is no longer driven solely by traditional farming methods but increasingly by innovation, creativity, determination and bold thinking.
He added that true wealth should also be measured through improved health, nutrition and community well-being, not only financial gains.
“Mining gold today does not only require heavy equipment. In this era, ideas, innovation and determination are equally important,” he stated.
Prof. Aryeetey encouraged participants to see themselves as pioneers capable of reshaping Ghana’s food systems through innovative solutions, urging particularly young women to take up leadership roles within the agricultural value chain.
He further called for a focus on addressing practical challenges such as making healthy food more affordable, reducing post-harvest losses, improving farming systems and creating opportunities for all.
He urged participants to remain resilient and committed, noting that success in entrepreneurship requires perseverance despite challenges.
