The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I has noted the significant strides her outfit has made through the Youth in Export” programme to foster youth involvement in the country’s export sector.
The initiative to involve the youth comes at a crucial time when the country is diversifying beyond traditional exports like cocoa and gold.
Dr. Asare said that the initiative is designed to empower the next generation of exporters and create sustainable employment opportunities for young Ghanaians, while providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship in various industries.
“The Youth in Export programme is a game-changer for our country. By investing in our youth, we are not only empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed but also ensuring that Ghana’s export sector remains competitive on the global stage”, She emphasized.
Osafohene Dr. Asare made the remarks at the ministers’ press briefing in Accra yesterday.
She explained that the programme offers a six-month intensive mentorship led by seasoned exporters. So far, two cohorts of young participants have successfully graduated from the programme.
“The first cohort, which focused on agribusiness, saw 20 young entrepreneurs launching their first exports, while the second cohort is expected to create more than 500 direct employment opportunities”, the CEO emphasized.
Osafohene Dr. Asare mentioned that the upcoming third cohort will include participants from all regions of the country and across all sectors, and it is expected to generate over 4,000 jobs for young Ghanaians.
These efforts, she added are part of a broader plan to transform the youth into key players in the export industry.
She added that the Youth in Export initiative also aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which provides new markets and opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to expand their reach across the continent.
“As Ghana positions itself as a key player in regional trade, GEPA’s focus on youth engagement is expected to be a vital pillar in achieving sustainable export growth”, the CEO stated.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
