By Samuel SAM
The Ghana Country Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Dr. Dirk Aßmann, has visited HOPin Academy, an entrepreneurship and innovation hub in Tamale, Northern Region.
The visit aimed to assess the impact of support for the hub and highlight the crucial role innovation hubs play in fostering regional economic growth.
Dr. Aßmann was warmly welcomed with cultural performances and an exhibition of products and services by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the premises of HOPin Academy. During his visit to Tamale, the Director was hosted by HOPin Academy from morning to evening, where cultural displays entertained the team.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including sister innovation hubs and inspiring MSMEs like Kelroses Foods and MelAnu Skin, along with representatives from the Ghana Enterprise Agency.
Discussions focused on the critical role of innovation hubs in the region’s ecosystem, as well as potential collaboration and strategic areas for growth.
Key topics included challenges faced by peri-urban women entrepreneurs and bridging the digital innovation gap in the Northern enclave to promote gender inclusivity.
HOPin Academy, as an intermediary for GIZ’s Digital Transformation for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Ghana (DTEG) programme, hosts the DTEG satellite office in the Northern Region.
Dr. Aßmann endorsed the vital role of innovation hubs in economic and social development, reaffirming GIZ’s commitment to collaborating with HOPin Academy to invest in youth and create opportunities aligned with the government’s youth-focused agenda.
MacCarthy Mac-Gbathy, Executive Director of HOPin Academy, explained the academy’s mission to provide a nurturing environment for young people to discover their potential and participate in the startup ecosystem, contributing to regional economic growth.
The event solidified HOPin Academy’s position as a leading force for innovation and empowerment in Ghana.
By fostering collaboration, bridging digital divides, and promoting inclusivity, HOPin Academy hopes to drive economic growth, paving the way for a brighter future for young entrepreneurs.
The visit concluded with a tour of the academy’s market space and facilities, showcasing the impact of the hub on its beneficiaries.
