The Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) has successfully trained and graduated 18 analysts under its Venture Capital Analyst Programme (VCAP), a key initiative aimed at strengthening the venture capital and private equity ecosystem in Ghana.
At the exit ceremony for the first and second cohorts of the program, VCTF Chief Executive Officer Michael Abbey emphasized the programme’s role in grooming future leaders for the industry.
He noted that the intensive training provided analysts with practical experience that cannot be acquired in the classroom, through their engagements with venture capital firms, investment teams, and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Mr. Abbey described the programme as a platform to nurture young talent and prepare them to anchor the growing venture capital ecosystem in Ghana. He underscored VCTF’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships with program alumni to maintain a network of skilled professionals.
“We are confident that the experience gained clearly cannot be learned from the classroom,” Mr. Abbey said. “Through their engagement with VC finance companies and SMEs, these young analysts have contributed real value to the industry. We believe they will continue to be ambassadors of integrity and professionalism wherever they find themselves.”
He highlighted VCTF’s broader mandate, which includes providing venture capital financing to SMEs and promoting the private equity ecosystem. According to him, initiatives like VCAP are essential to building a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of supporting the industry’s growth.
“The industry is young but crucial to Ghana’s economic development,” he said. “We are here to support these analysts and are exploring ways to provide them with resources and toolkits through a sustainable alumni platform to ensure continuous engagement.”
The CEO acknowledged the support of various partners, including the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP), which has been instrumental in the programme’s success. He credited the analysts for delivering value in partner institutions, noting that many of them have taken leadership roles despite being newly trained.
Percival Ofori-Ampomah, the General Manager at VCTF, praised the analysts for their growth and ability to apply their skills effectively. He stressed the importance of building a pool of professionals capable of driving the private equity industry forward.
“Ghana’s economy needs financial analysts because businesses drive the economy,” Ofori-Ampomah said. “SMEs, in particular, require long-term capital that only private equity and venture capital can provide. This programme is training the skilled people we need to support these businesses and drive sustainable economic growth.”
He added that fund managers working with the newly trained analysts have expressed satisfaction with their performance, which he attributed to the program’s rigorous training approach.
Mr. Abbey expressed optimism about the program’s future, indicating that lessons learned from the initial cohorts would guide improvements for future editions. He encouraged the graduates to set personal development goals and leverage their skills to contribute meaningfully to the industry.
“We are motivated to produce the next generation of analysts and fund managers who understand private equity,” he said. “Our work is laying the foundation for more resources in the economic and business ecosystem, and we look forward to seeing the great things these analysts will achieve in their careers.”
The VCAP initiative, launched to address the skills gap in Ghana’s venture capital and private equity sectors, is expected to continue providing essential training to young professionals, ensuring the industry’s growth and sustainability.
