GEA, Mastercard Foundation partner to Empower 250k young Ghanaians through BizBox Program
GEA, Mastercard Foundation partner to Empower 250k young Ghanaians through BizBox Program
GEA, Mastercard Foundation partner to Empower 250k young Ghanaians through BizBox Program
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Mastercard Foundation on Monday, January 22, start a sensitization campaign for the groundbreaking Business in a Box (BizBox) Program.
This initiative aims to empower an additional 250,000 young people in Ghana, expanding on the successful collaboration previously established through the Young Africa Works Project.
The Young Africa Works Project, running from 2020 to 2022, achieved significant milestones by supporting approximately 94,000 young people, more than double its goal, enabling them to establish their businesses or secure dignified and fulfilling jobs.
Building on this momentum, the BizBox Program aims to support 250,000 young people to access dignified and fulfilling jobs over the next four years.
In Amasaman, Greater Accra Region – Gifty Animwaa Owusu, a participant in the GEA/Mastercard Young Africa Works Project Program, shares her story of transformation from a struggling individual to a successful business owner and mentor.
“When I had no one to turn to for assistance, the GEA/Mastercard Young Africa Works Program became my source of hope,” recalls Gifty Animwaa Owusu.
Her participation in the A2E program and the invaluable Start-up Kit support she received after her training has been pivotal in her journey. Gifty is now a thriving business owner, supporting not only her family but also mentoring young people in her community.
Through this intervention, Animwaa has not only achieved financial stability but also gained respect and dignity.
Her success stands as a testament to the transformative power of giving opportunities to young women.
Reflecting on her journey, Gifty acknowledges the impact of the business management training she received, which enabled her to meet the application criteria and successfully receive a grant through GEA.
Gifty Animwaa Owusu’s story is a powerful example of how targeted support and empowerment can lead to meaningful change in individuals and communities.
Her journey is a source of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the effectiveness of programs like the GEA/Mastercard Young Africa Works Program in driving positive impact.
“The BizBox program aims to enable and empower disadvantaged young people across Ghana, especially young women with first-time business startups, to acquire skills and access to startup kits, markets, finance, and technology to start, build, and grow their businesses.
We believe it will improve the well-being and resilience of young entrepreneurs by creating an enabling environment, especially for agriculture and agri-adjacent businesses to thrive and contribute to national development,” said Rica Rwigamba, Country Director, Ghana, Mastercard Foundation.
With an investment of GHS 660 million (approximately $55 million), BizBox underscores GEA and the Mastercard Foundation’s ongoing commitment to young people’s development.
The program, scheduled to run till April 2027, will provide young entrepreneurs with essential tools, knowledge, and support to start and expand their businesses.
It will deliver comprehensive training in life skills, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and business development, promoting business growth and scalability.
A major focus of the program is empowerment, with more than 70 percent of the target participants being young women and 10 percent Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in economic participation.
