GrowthAfrica’s Post

CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS The Orange Corners Ghana Incubation Programme applications are still open! Who should apply? Entrepreneurs in Ghana aged 18 - 35 eager to elevate their business, leadership, and team. What to expect? Expect a tailored and hands-on business acceleration program, featuring masterclasses, networking events, funding opportunities including grants and low-interest loans of up to 50,000 Euros, and industry-relevant mentorship and coaching. You are eligible if your business: ✅Is beyond the initial product-market fit phase, and has earned commercial, recurring revenue for at least 24 months. ✅Have recurring revenues equivalent to at least USD 30,000 annually. ✅Have at least one co-founder working in the business full-time and exclusively. ✅Have at least one active co-founder in the business aged 18-35.  ✅Have matured and stabilized enough to employ a minimum of 3 Full Time employees on a permanent basis in addition to the founders.  ✅Your product/service is solving a clear need that can be identified as delivering on one or several SDG goals.   ✅Your product/service or business model is innovative (i.e. your approach to supply chain, production or distribution, and sales), and it provides a clear competitive advantage   ✅Women are especially encouraged to apply for this opportunity. 📝 Apply now:  https://lnkd.in/diV7b8vX  📅 Application deadline: 28th April 2024 #OrangeCornersGH #YouthEntrepreneurship #OrangeCorners #GrowthAfrica #WomenEntrepreneurship #GenderFocus #WomenEmpowerment #Acceleration #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcceleration #Startups #Innovation #EntrepreneurialSupport #BusinessGrowth #Opportunity #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #Networking #Mentorship #CapacityBuilding #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #SDGs #Entrepreneurship #Youth #Startups Orange Corners Netherlands Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Why is more investment in the African entrepreneurial landscape crucial? 🔸Highest Entrepreneurial Rate: Africa boasts the highest entrepreneurial rate globally, with 22% of the working-age population starting their own businesses. This highlights the immense potential and drive within our continent. 🔸Significant Funding Growth: In 2023, African startups secured substantial funding, with Kenya alone raising $880 million. This influx of capital is a testament to the growing confidence in African innovation and the opportunities available. 🔸Competitive Startup Environments: Africa's largest economies, such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, offer competitive startup environments with numerous incubators, co-working spaces, and a robust economic ecosystem. 🔸Higher Success Rates: Funded startups in Africa have a 72% higher success rate compared to their non-funded counterparts. This underscores the importance of investment in driving business success and sustainability. 🔸Rising Early-Stage Activity: Early-stage entrepreneurial activity in South Africa rose to 17.5% in 2021, up from 10.8% in 2019. This growth demonstrates the increasing dynamism and potential within the African startup ecosystem. Let's continue building the present and future of our great continent, Africa. Together, we can make Africa every global founder's dream destination for entrepreneurship and innovation. How can we do this without you? Are you interested in investing in Africa? Hit my Dm, let's build. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #VentureBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #AfricaRising

Why is more investment in the African entrepreneurial landscape crucial? 🔸Highest Entrepreneurial Rate: Africa boasts the highest entrepreneurial rate globally, with 22% of the working-age population starting their own businesses. This highlights the immense potential and drive within our continent. 🔸Significant Funding Growth: In 2023, African startups secured substantial funding, with Kenya alone raising $880 million. This influx of capital is a testament to the growing confidence in African innovation and the opportunities available. 🔸Competitive Startup Environments: Africa's largest economies, such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, offer competitive startup environments with numerous incubators, co-working spaces, and a robust economic ecosystem. 🔸Higher Success Rates: Funded startups in Africa have a 72% higher success rate compared to their non-funded counterparts. This underscores the importance of investment in driving business success and sustainability. 🔸Rising Early-Stage Activity: Early-stage entrepreneurial activity in South Africa rose to 17.5% in 2021, up from 10.8% in 2019. This growth demonstrates the increasing dynamism and potential within the African startup ecosystem. Let's continue building the present and future of our great continent, Africa. Together, we can make Africa every global founder's dream destination for entrepreneurship and innovation. How can we do this without you? Are you interested in investing in Africa? #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #VentureBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #AfricaRising

ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Orange Corners, is an initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands for young entrepreneurs in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, focusing on Sustainable Development Goals 5,8,9 and 17. Orange Corners partners with local and international businesses to support innovative ventures in many parts of the world. In Ghana, it is implemented by GrowthAfrica, Africa’s foremost business accelerator, in partnership with Fidelity Bank Ghana, Emergent Payments, FrieslandCampina, Vivo Energy, Meridian Port Services Ghana, Koudijs Animal Nutrition - Ghana, People's Pension Holding and Cargill. Orange Corners in Ghana aims to empower aspiring young entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing local challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Our programme offers specialised business acceleration, funding opportunities, and industry-specific mentorship and coaching, all aimed at propelling your business toward greater success! Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Apply to Orange Corners Ghana acceleration programme here: https://lnkd.in/diV7b8vX by April 28, 2024, and join a global community of changemakers. Learn more about Orange Corners Ghana here: https://lnkd.in/e2bF2jG. #OrangeCornersGH #YouthEntrepreneurship #OrangeCorners #GrowthAfrica #WomenEntrepreneurship #GenderFocus #WomenEmpowerment #Acceleration #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcceleration #Startups #Innovation #EntrepreneurialSupport #BusinessGrowth #Opportunity #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #Networking #Mentorship #CapacityBuilding #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #SDGs #Entrepreneurship #Youth #Startups Orange Corners Netherlands Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken Netherlands Enterprise Agency Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana

Entrepreneurship in Ghana: A Story of Resilience and Innovation_ 🇬🇭💡 Ghana, a country located in West Africa, has a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Despite the challenges, many Ghanaians have successfully turned their passions into businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Success Stories:🌟 Orios Group: Founded by Ghanaian entrepreneur, Kennedy Agyapong, Orios Group is a leading provider of IT solutions and services in Ghana. 📊 Jumia Ghana:Jumia Ghana is an e-commerce platform that has revolutionized the way Ghanaians shop online. 🛍️ Farmart: Farmart is an agricultural technology startup that connects farmers with buyers, making it easier for farmers to sell their produce. 🌾 Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST): MEST is a training program that provides young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to launch successful startups. 📚 Challenges:🚧 Access to funding: Many entrepreneurs in Ghana struggle to access funding to start or grow their businesses. 📊 Infrastructure challenges:_l Ghana's infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and internet connectivity, can be a challenge for entrepreneurs. 🚧 Bureaucratic processes: The process of registering and licensing a business in Ghana can be lengthy and bureaucratic. 📝 Limited market size: Ghana's market size is relatively small, making it challenging for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. 📊 Way Forward:_🌈 Government support: The government can provide support to entrepreneurs through initiatives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and training programs. 📈 Private sector investment:Private sector investment can provide entrepreneurs with the funding needed to start or grow their businesses. 💸 Mentorship and networking: Mentorship and networking programs can provide entrepreneurs with the guidance and connections needed to succeed. 🤝 -Innovation and technology: Embracing innovation and technology can help entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve success. 💡 Conclusion:🌟 Entrepreneurship in Ghana is a story of resilience and innovation. Despite the challenges, many Ghanaians have successfully turned their passions into businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth. With government support, private sector investment, mentorship and networking, and innovation and technology, the future of entrepreneurship in Ghana is bright. #EntrepreneurshipInGhana #GhanaianEntrepreneurs #SuccessStories #Challenges #WayForward #Innovation #Technology #Mentorship #Networking #GovernmentSupport #PrivateSectorInvestment 🇬🇭💡

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK 🌍 Entrepreneurship is for Everyone! We are thrilled to see our Founder and Executive Director, Mr. Friday Wisdom Chamfya representing Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative - Zambia during this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week at the U.S. Embassy Zambia Centre for Leadership. Under the inspiring theme “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone,” this event underscores the importance of creating inclusive pathways for individuals from all walks of life to engage in and benefit from entrepreneurship. The training directly aligns with our commitment to empowering young people through entrepreneurship and skills development, fostering innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth and economic empowerment. At Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative - Zambia we believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for transforming lives, creating opportunities, and building resilient communities. Our participation reflects capacity building on our staff and our ongoing dedication to equipping youth with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in today’s dynamic economy. 💡 Let’s continue to champion entrepreneurship as a catalyst for change and a foundation for a self-reliant Africa. #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek #USEmbassyZambia #EntrepreneurshipForEveryone #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #Leadership #StartUp #AimHigherYouthCooperative #Zambia

CALL FOR APPLICATION: ORANGE CORNERS GHANA ACCELERATION PROGRAMME 2024  We are excited to announce that the call for applications of the Orange Corners Ghana Acceleration Programme is now open!  What's in it for you? ✅Tailored & hands-on business acceleration programme. ✅Masterclasses and networking events . ✅Funding opportunity: Grant and low-interest business funding of up to 50,000 Euros. ✅Industry-relevant mentorship and coaching. You are eligible if your business: ✔Is beyond the initial product-market fit phase, and has earned commercial, recurring revenue for at least 24 months. ✔Have recurring revenues equivalent to at least USD 30,000 annually. ✔Have at least one co-founder working in the business full-time and exclusively. ✔Have at least one active co-founder in the business aged 18-35.  ✔Have matured and stabilized enough to employ a minimum of 3 full time employees on a permanent basis in addition to the founders.  ✔Your product/service is solving a clear need that can be identified as delivering on one or several SDG goals.   ✔Your product/service or  business model is innovative (i.e. your approach to supply chain, production or distribution, and sales), and it provides a clear competitive advantage   ✔Women are especially encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dvMWFWws  📅 Application deadline: 1st September 2024 The Orange Corners Acceleration Programme, an initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is calling for applications. This programme is implemented by GrowthAfrica in partnership with Fidelity Bank Ghana, Emergent Payments Africa, FrieslandCampina, Vivo Energy, Meridian Port Services Ghana, Koudijs Animal Nutrition - Ghana, People's Pension Holding, and Cargill. #OrangeCornersGH #YouthEntrepreneurship #OrangeCorners #GrowthAfrica #WomenEntrepreneurship #GenderFocus #WomenEmpowerment #Acceleration #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcceleration #Startups #Innovation #EntrepreneurialSupport #BusinessGrowth #Opportunity #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #Networking #Mentorship #CapacityBuilding #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableGrowth #SDGs #Entrepreneurship #Youth #Startups Orange Corners Netherlands Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken Netherlands Enterprise Agency

🌟 Young Entrepreneurial Minds 🌟 Welcome to Young Entrepreneurial Minds, a dynamic and innovative NGO dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in Ghana. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and support young minds in their journey towards becoming successful business leaders and changemakers. At Young Entrepreneurial Minds, we believe in the power of youth to drive economic growth and social change. Through our comprehensive programs and initiatives, we provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. Our focus areas include: 🚀 Entrepreneurship Education: Equipping young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. 🤝 Mentorship and Networking: Connecting youth with experienced mentors and industry leaders to guide them on their entrepreneurial journey. 💡 Innovation and Creativity: Fostering a culture of innovation and creative thinking to develop sustainable business solutions. 🌍 Community Impact: Encouraging socially responsible entrepreneurship that addresses pressing challenges in our communities and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are creating a space where young Ghanaian entrepreneurs between the ages of 16-30 can work on their projects, help develop prototypes, and build their business models. We make them pitch-ready and investor-ready, and connect them to all available seed funding, grant funding, and startup funding platforms across various sectors. Our goal is to turn their business ideas into reality. We offer a communal space where everyone is free to share their ideas and be challenged to solve challenging problems in Ghana and around the world. Here, their ideas can be patented and incubated until they are ready to make a significant impact. Additionally, we travel across deprived areas of Ghana, educating the youth about entrepreneurship and its power. We identify and select great innovators to join our community, ensuring that talent from all corners of the country gets the opportunity to thrive. We are currently seeking NGO investors and financiers to help us impact the lives of youths. Your support will enable us to expand our reach and provide more opportunities for young entrepreneurs to succeed. Join us in our mission to empower the youth of Ghana and create a brighter future through entrepreneurship. Together, we can build a vibrant ecosystem of young entrepreneurs who will shape the future of our nation. Follow our page to stay updated on our latest initiatives, success stories, and opportunities to get involved! #YoungEntrepreneurialMinds #EmpowerYouth #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Mentorship #SocialImpact #NGO UNDP UNDP Ghana UNICEF USAID Ashoka International Youth Federation (IYF)

FEDERAL LAWMAKERS TO SUPPORT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN NIGERIA Hey guys, we bring you good news as you prepare to launch or continue to grow your #startup in #Nigeria. The Federal House of Representatives, through the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu(MHR).F.insAM,FOSHA(UK),MCIArb (UK) has promised to support young entrepreneurs in Nigeria by providing the enabling environments they need to thrive. He announced this cheering news while speaking at the grand finale of the 7th edition of the Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge, which took place, a few days ago in #Abuja. According to him: “Nigeria is home to one of the largest youth populations in the world with about 214 million citizens under the age of 25. This demographic offers immense opportunities for innovations, economic growth and leadership. It is heartening to see platforms like the Ugwumba Leadership Center stepping in to provide solutions by equipping young entrepreneurs with tools, mentorship and financial support. As policy makers, we must compliment such initiatives by engendering a business-friendly environment, such as improving access to credit, enhancing digital infrastructure, and ensuring our education system aligns with the needs of the modern workforce.” Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker for this promise. We look forward to a more business friendly environment for our young entrepreneurs in 2025 and beyond! Thank you, our President, H.E Ugwumba Uche Nwosu for your amazing leadership!! Please, click on the video as reported by ARISE News to hear it from the horse’s mouth… #HappyWeekend and #MerryChristmas in advance! Rajan Nazran Emil Nabo Ekiyor Chris Foltz Remi Duyile Regina Summer H.E Dr. Alisa Whyte Dr. Karim R. Ellis Phoenix Jackson Nicole Williamson #UEC2024 #UgwumbaEnterpriseChallenge #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Innovations #Technology #Funding #Grants