YEA in talks with Shatta Wale to create youth jobs through Shaxi

By: Ernest Afram

The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has begun discussions with renowned Ghanaian musician and entrepreneur Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, on a potential partnership aimed at boosting youth employment through the popular ride-hailing service, Shaxi.

Since its founding in December 2021, Shatta Wale’s Shaxi platform has grown steadily as a dynamic and innovative response to Ghana’s youth unemployment challenge. The service allows aspiring drivers to join the platform by paying a daily fee of GHS 20. This model offers users the flexibility to work on their own schedules while earning a sustainable income—placing job creation and financial empowerment at the forefront, rather than focusing solely on profit.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Basintale expressed enthusiasm about exploring a strategic collaboration with Shatta Wale that could significantly scale up Shaxi’s operations across the country, thereby creating more employment opportunities for young Ghanaians. He emphasized that the proposed partnership aligns perfectly with the YEA’s mandate to reduce youth unemployment by fostering innovative and sustainable job-creation models.

“The Youth Employment Agency is committed to supporting platforms like Shaxi that empower young people with flexible and sustainable income-generating opportunities. Our discussions with Shatta Wale focus on how we can leverage Shaxi’s success to impact even more youth across Ghana,” he stated.

Shaxi has already made notable progress in providing affordable transportation services while equipping drivers with tools to take control of their financial futures. The platform’s job-creation model, which allows drivers to pay manageable daily fees and work flexible hours, has been praised for its inclusiveness and scalability.

The proposed partnership promises several key benefits for Ghanaian youth and the broader economy, including:

Increased Employment Opportunities: Expanding the Shaxi platform will give more young Ghanaians access to income-generating opportunities without the typical barriers of formal employment.

Support for Local Enterprises: The collaboration is expected to stimulate growth within local transport businesses and allied sectors, contributing to a more vibrant informal economy.

Economic Empowerment: Drivers on the Shaxi platform have the opportunity to build financial independence, develop entrepreneurial skills, and contribute positively to their communities.

Digital Innovation: The partnership will promote the use of technology-driven solutions to address social challenges, advancing a modern, digital economy.