Empowering Ghana's Youth Through Agriculture and Innovation
Ghana Grows is a groundbreaking initiative by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation, designed to empower young Ghanaians with opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET). The program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and business development support, with a special focus on women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. By strengthening ATVET as a viable career pathway, Ghana Grows is shaping the future of agriculture and unlocking sustainable livelihoods for young people.
Why Ghana Grows Matters
Rising Youth Population
Africa’s youth population is projected to grow significantly by 2050, increasing the need for sustainable economic opportunities.
Youth Unemployment Challenge
In Ghana, youth (ages 15-35) make up about 38% of the population, yet face a high unemployment rate of 32.8%, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.
Agriculture’s Untapped Potential
Agriculture employs over 40% of Ghana’s workforce but remains underdeveloped, especially in agribusiness, value addition, and technology-driven farming.
Ghana Grows’ Impact
Ghana Grows bridges this gap by equipping young people with skills, knowledge, and resources to build successful careers in agriculture.
Programs & Initiatives
Ghana Grows High School Next Level
The High School Next Level initiative under Ghana Grows has emerged as a pivotal intervention aimed at reshaping perceptions and career aspirations among young…….
AGROFUSION Festival
AgroFusion Festival is one of Ghana Grows’ hallmark events, designed to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence in agriculture and agribusiness. Held annually, the festival serves as a platform for young ……..
TEENpreneurship
Teenpreneurship is a program designed to provide career guidance, mentoring, and personal development for young people aged 12-17. It is a non-residential five-day boot camp inspired and equipped young people with ……
Ghana Grows Edwuma
Ghana Grows Edwuma is a 15-minute broadcast aired on TV3 and 23 other radio stations nationwide, aimed at taking the youth through the stages of the agribusiness value chain, to encourage and empower them to take up careers in ….
Springboard Road Show Foundation equips youth across Ghana with skills in career development, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy to drive personal and community growth.
Employment, Career, and Entrepreneurship Outcomes
Ghana Grows has had a measurable impact on employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture and related sectors:
Employment-Seeking in Agriculture & ATVET: 73% of participants actively seek employment in these fields, compared to 49% in the control group.
Entrepreneurship Growth: 30% of program participants have started businesses in agriculture and agri-adjacent sectors, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in fostering agribusiness startups
Access to Financing & Mentorship: The program provides structured mentorship and connects young agripreneurs with funding opportunities to scale their businesses.
Ghana Grows Entrepreneurs
A transformative initiative in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at making agriculture, agribusiness and ATVET more appealing as career options. The program empowers young Ghanaians by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and business development opportunities, particularly for women, persons with disability
and other marginalized groups. It also works to strengthen Agric Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) as a viable employment pathway.
Juliana Afia Mahmoud
Juliana Afia Mahmood is a dedicated disability justice advocate and entrepreneur, committed to creating a society free from discrimination and inequality. She has a master’s degree in criminology and social Order and a bachelor’s in social work and Sociology, she works in the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development. As a disability inclusion facilitator, public speaker, and peace builder, Juliana strives to promote and protect the rights of women, children, and the elderly, especially those with disabilities, while also developing entrepreneurial opportunities that support her mission.
Mary Akuye Tetteh
Mary Akuye Tetteh is a person living with a disability and a participant in the Ghana Grows Empower 360 program. She is a dedicated businesswoman specializing in the sale of nutritious cereal and fresh mushrooms. Despite her physical disability, Mary defies the odds, demonstrating resilience and determination in building a thriving business. Through the skills and knowledge gained from the Empower 360 program, she continues to expand her enterprise, ensuring that her products not only contribute to food security but also promote healthy nutrition in her community. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunities.
Melissa Efia Martey aka Afia Beauty
Melisa Afia Martey, a visually impaired lady emerged as the winner of the Brains 4 Purpose pageant event in celebration of the International Day of Disabilities 2024. As part of her reward, she was given a cash prize and an internship opportunity with Springboard Road Show Foundation for a period of six months. She works as a monitoring and evaluation personnel at the foundation. Melisa holds a bachelor of arts degree in Social Work from University of Ghana, Legon.
Juliana Afia Mahmoud
Juliana Afia Mahmood is a dedicated disability justice advocate and entrepreneur, committed to creating a society free from discrimination and inequality. She has a master’s degree in criminology and social Order and a bachelor’s in social work and Sociology, she works in the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development. As a disability inclusion facilitator, public speaker, and peace builder, Juliana strives to promote and protect the rights of women, children, and the elderly, especially those with disabilities, while also developing entrepreneurial opportunities that support her mission.