Sunyani, Ghana – Afrivoices for Climate Change, in collaboration with the University of Energy and Natural Resources, achieved a momentous milestone by co-hosting the prestigious 2021 Hult Prize Regional Summit in Ghana. This highly anticipated event was organised after Afrivoices for Climate Change, with esteemed partners including the United Nations, EF Education First, and Hult International Business School, was selected to host the summit.
Held from April 16th to 17th, 2021, at the esteemed University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani, the summit was dedicated to the overarching theme “Food for Good: Transforming Food into a Vehicle for Change.” The event drew diverse distinguished participants, including leaders from government institutions, private sector executives, civil society representatives, professionals, and students.
Activities during the summit were thoughtfully curated to empower and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers. Participants were immersed in enriching experiences, including a Startups Masterclass, engaging pitching sessions, captivating keynote speeches, and invaluable networking sessions.
The event’s highlight was the esteemed keynote guest speaker, Mr. Denis Abugri Amenga, Bono Regional Director for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In his address, he urged the youth from Ghana and beyond to embrace the various agricultural policies introduced by the government. He envisioned that such initiatives would support young individuals in creating job opportunities within the food value chains, thereby effectively curbing food shortages.
The summit served as an inspiring platform, igniting the passion of young minds towards addressing global food security challenges through entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector. The event left an indelible impact on the participants by fostering innovative solutions and facilitating strategic networking opportunities.
Afrivoices for Climate Change, esteemed co-host of the 2021 Hult Prize Regional Summit, continues its unwavering commitment to driving positive change and promoting sustainable practices in Ghana and beyond. The collaborative efforts of Afrivoices for Climate Change and the University of Energy and Natural Resources exemplify the power of partnership in championing transformational initiatives.
The resounding success of the 2021 Hult Prize Regional Summit in Ghana reaffirms the nation’s dedication to nurturing young leaders and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that propels meaningful change. It underscores the invaluable role that collaboration between public and private sectors plays in paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
As the echoes of this transformative event resonate, the ripple effect of the summit is expected to inspire a new generation of visionary leaders committed to leveraging the potential of agriculture for positive impact and creating a world where food becomes a catalyst for lasting change.
The six finalists that advance to finals included;
- Smart Farms-University of Malawi
- ACE Food- Redeemers University, Nigeria
- JODS- Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nigeria
- MIDAS Group-Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria
- Kairos-Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- Watof Feeds-Adekunle Ajasin University-Nigeria
Team Kairos from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia emerged as the Overall Winner for the 2021 Hult Prize Impact Summit-Accra and would be joining the Hult prize global accelerator a one step ahead to winning the startup capital of $1 million US Dollars.
Judges
Dr. Kusi Boachie Yiadom (Head-Business Incubation and Innovation Center),
Mr. Emmanuel Marfo (Cofounder & Country Director |Grassroots Hub and NEXUS Global),
Md. Faati Bamba (Bono Regional Director National Youth Authority),
Dr. Mark Amo Boateng (Founder, XTELLIX)
Mr. Ebenezer Nyarko Kumi (Lecturer-UENR)
Dr Charles Yaw Adarkwah, (Former Dean)
Mr. Richard Baffour Okyere (CEO Evolve Africa)
