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Tag: Presidential Pitch

  • Akufo-Addo lauded for championing Presidential Pitch

    Akufo-Addo lauded for championing Presidential Pitch

    Winners of the 5th edition of the Presidential Pitch have praised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for spearheading the initiative, which aims to empower young entrepreneurs across Ghana.

    The Presidential Pitch, which provides a platform for young innovators to present their groundbreaking ideas, has been hailed as a crucial part of the government’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship.

    Namgwinaa Samuel emerged as the overall winner of Season 5 with his revolutionary Smart Switch System, an innovation that controls energy consumption automatically and allows remote task execution.

    The system also doubles as a security-controlled communication device. For his outstanding achievement, Samuel was awarded the prestigious Dr. John Kumah Prize for Entrepreneurship and Innovation by President Akufo-Addo.

    Samuel’s victory came after a challenging journey. He stood out among over 300 applicants, eventually making it to the top 10 finalists, all of whom were vying for the grand prize of GHC250,000. The Presidential Pitch provided Samuel and other finalists a unique opportunity to showcase their transformative ideas.

    The beneficiaries, including Samuel, expressed their appreciation for the initiative, commending the President’s dedication to nurturing young entrepreneurs and driving innovation in the country.

    During a brief ceremony at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) office, where certificates and cash prizes were awarded, NEIP Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah emphasized the programme’s impact.

    “The Presidential Pitch has become a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship in Ghana, with a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality,” he said.

    Mr. Ofosu Nkansah also highlighted NEIP’s broader achievements: “Since its inception in 2017, NEIP has supported over 250,000 beneficiaries with business development assistance, provided starter packs to 35,000 businesses, and facilitated funding for 15,000 entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of over 100,000 jobs.”

    In total, 35 winners were awarded cash prizes ranging from GHC30,000 to GHC250,000, along with certificates of participation. The winners will also benefit from ongoing business advisory services and mentoring through NEIP’s partner business incubation and acceleration hubs in their respective fields.

    The Presidential Pitch, now in its fifth season, continues to be a shining example of the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for Ghana’s young innovators.

  • 5th season Presidential Pitch winners get GHC3m from NEIP

    5th season Presidential Pitch winners get GHC3m from NEIP

    The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) has awarded a total of GH¢3 million to the winners of the 5th season of the Presidential Pitch, an initiative aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs.

    This government-led programme provides financial assistance to help scale up innovative business ideas across various sectors.

    The winners were selected after a competitive pitching process, where they presented their business ideas and demonstrated the potential for growth and job creation. This year’s winning entrepreneurs come from diverse sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, all of which play a crucial role in driving Ghana’s economic development.

    The GH¢3 million grant serves as seed funding to help these entrepreneurs expand their operations, enhance product development, and gain access to new markets. By empowering young business leaders, the government hopes to strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and tackle unemployment.

    The NEIP Presidential Pitch is part of a broader government strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among Ghana’s youth. Alongside funding, the programme also provides mentorship and business development support, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the winning businesses.

    Previous winners of the Presidential Pitch have reported significant growth in their businesses, and the government is optimistic that this year’s beneficiaries will achieve similar success, further contributing to national economic progress.

  • Presidential Pitch officially ends, winning projects grab cash prizes

    Presidential Pitch officially ends, winning projects grab cash prizes

    President Akufo-Addo’s final Presidential Pitch event has officially drawn to a close, marking the culmination of a flagship initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among Ghana’s youth.

    This year’s event held in Accra showcased a wealth of talent as young entrepreneurs from across the country pitched their groundbreaking business ideas, vying for financial support and mentorship to propel their ventures forward.

    The Presidential Pitch has become a cornerstone of Akufo-Addo’s administration, designed to empower the next generation of business leaders by providing a unique platform for them to present their ideas directly to the President and a panel of expert judges.

    The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, especially in the realm of entrepreneurship, with the goal of spurring economic growth and job creation.

    In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the pivotal role young entrepreneurs play in the country’s development. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to nurturing a business-friendly environment, spotlighting various policies and initiatives that have supported startups and small businesses throughout his tenure.

    “Youth entrepreneurship is key to Ghana’s economic future,” the President remarked, underscoring the importance of continued investment in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    This year’s competition proved to be one of the most competitive yet, with a diverse array of innovative business ideas on display.

    The creativity and resilience of Ghana’s youth were evident as participants pitched their proposals, each seeking to secure the backing needed to turn their visions into reality. The standout projects not only received substantial financial prizes but also invaluable mentorship opportunities, critical to transforming their ideas into successful enterprises.

    The judging panel, comprised of seasoned business leaders and industry experts, expressed their admiration for the caliber of the presentations. They noted that the participants demonstrated not only entrepreneurial potential but also a keen understanding of their respective markets.

    “The quality of ideas presented today is a testament to the talent and ingenuity of our youth,” one judge commented, signaling optimism for the future of entrepreneurship in Ghana.

    Among the standout entrepreneurs of the evening was Naamgwimaa Samuel, founder of Naamgwinaa Technologies, whose innovative electronics company clinched the top prize.

    Samuel’s Smart Switch, a cutting-edge device designed to optimize energy management and automation for both homes and businesses, captivated the judges. Versatile in its applications, the Smart Switch can be installed in various settings, from rooms and streetlights to cars and air conditioners, making it a promising solution for energy efficiency.

    Reflecting on the legacy of the Presidential Pitch, the President expressed pride in the progress made over the years. Many former participants have since grown their businesses into thriving enterprises that now contribute meaningfully to the national economy.

    President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the impact of the initiative would continue long after his presidency, inspiring future generations of Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

    “The achievements of these young business leaders demonstrate the success of the Presidential Pitch, and I am confident that its influence will endure for years to come,” he said.

    Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), also lauded President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support of the initiative.

    Nkansah noted that the President’s leadership had been instrumental in the success of the Presidential Pitch, which has consistently empowered young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.