By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
With a vision of inspiring Ghanaian youth to view agriculture as a lucrative and honourable job, the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) has successfully trained over 7,000 young individuals through its flagship AgriTech Challenge Classic Pitch.
The seven-month programme seeks to cultivate interest and mindsets shift among students and young graduates, driving systemic change in the country’s agriculture industry.
Speaking at the national AgriTech Challenge Classic Pitch held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Executive Director-KIC Benjamin Gyan Kesse emphasised the initiative’s transformative impact.
Supported by Kosmos Energy Ghana and Mastercard Foundation, the programme enables participants to develop viable solutions to the country’s agricultural challenges while creating job opportunities for the youth.
Mr. Gyan Kesse encouraged participants to showcase confidence and effective communication to secure spots in the AgriTech Pro Challenge.
On the challenge’s final day, Senior Vice President-Kosmos Energy Ghana, Nana Joe Mensah, commended participants for their innovative ideas and dynamic presentations.
Reflecting on KIC’s journey since its inception in 2016, he said: “Indeed, we are on the right track in preparing for the future, which is in the hands of the youth; and if we prepare you well, we will be changing the narrative.
“In changing the narrative, we started with the Agric space. Getting the youth fully engaged in agriculture is going to change the narrative for our country and the continent as a whole.”
Nana Mensah also urged participants to pursue their passions as a driving force in their careers.
“Passion makes work effortless. Stick to what you enjoy, embrace feedback and stay focused – it will take you far,” he advised.
About AgriTech
KIC remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where young innovators thrive by offering resources, mentorship and opportunities to scale their solutions. Leading up to the national pitches, participants received training in critical areas such as business strategy, product development, marketing, personal discovery, team effectiveness and market research.
This year, 64 teams from across Ghana advanced from Zonal Pitches to the final pitch competition at KNUST. The programme provided participants with holistic support including coaching, market research assistance and expert guidance, empowering them to turn their innovative business concepts into reality.
At the end of the three-day pitching challenge, 38 of the 64 teams emerged winners – who will progress into the AgriTech Challenge Pro which is a five-month training programme.
Each of the teams in AgriTech Pro will also receive US$2,000 to develop their Most Viable Product (MVP). At end of the Pro, teams will be selected to receive further funding for business growth.
The AgriTech Challenge Classic continues to identify and nurture aspiring entrepreneurs, building a generation ready to revolutionise agriculture in Ghana and beyond.
