Twelve young entrepreneurs walked away from the British Council Auditorium in Accra on Friday with seed funding, logistical support, and mentorship to build their businesses. They were the first beneficiaries of the Opplift Youth Entrepreneurs Summit 2026, an event designed to move beyond talk and provide practical tools for young business founders in Ghana.
The summit, held under the banner “Build to Thrive: Equipping Young Entrepreneurs for Success in Ghana,” gathered entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts for a day focused on actionable insights. It aimed to tackle the ongoing challenge of youth unemployment by making entrepreneurship a core part of Ghana’s economic agenda.
Kris Asleson, Founder of Opplift, opened the event with a welcome message that set the tone for a day centred on practical guidance. Nana Mensah, Team and Country Lead for Opplift, followed with remarks emphasising the potential of young talents and the need to equip them with resources and mentorship.
Ekow Mensah, guest speaker and entrepreneur, urged attendees to become intentional about their time and resources. He advised young business owners to avoid relationships and activities that do not support their purpose, to understand the value of their time, to master selling, and to know when to bring in specialists for complex tasks.
Stephen Naasei Boadi, marketing consultant, delivered a session on the “Effective Use of Social Media by Startup Businesses.” He explained how startups could use social media platforms to increase visibility, engage customers, and stimulate growth.
A panel discussion brought together Richard Ohene Sika, fashion educationist and talent manager; Josephine Toudeka, founder of Toudeka’s Enterprise; and Eugene Wilson Ocran, programmes manager at Opplift. Moderated by Valerie Danso, the panelists shared their journeys, challenges, and strategies for moving beyond starting a business to building one that lasts.
The unveiling of the 12 young beneficiaries was a key moment. These entrepreneurs will receive direct support to help establish and grow their ventures. The initiative reflects Opplift’s approach to youth entrepreneurship as a practical pursuit, combining financial aid with mentorship and logistical assistance.
Organisers said the summit was also a networking platform, allowing young entrepreneurs to exchange experiences and connect with individuals and organisations within Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event was supported by Immix Law Group, Flyrise, Launchava, Patch Pro, and the Council of Entrepreneurs.
Opplift plans to make the summit an annual event. Future editions will continue to provide young entrepreneurs with access to knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities for business growth.
Friday’s summit set in motion a broader effort by Opplift to support young people struggling with unemployment. The organisation’s focus is clear: entrepreneurship should equip young Ghanaians not just to start businesses but to build ones that endure and create jobs.
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