By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
The Business and Financial Times (B&FT), in partnership with Ecobank Ghana, has launched the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) to support young entrepreneurs and drive youth-led economic growth across Africa.
The forum aims to provide start-ups and young professionals with access to resources, mentorship, business development support, and opportunities for leadership. It will also serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and youth engagement in economic transformation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, Chief Executive Officer of B&FT, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable development through youth empowerment.
“At B&FT, we believe young people must lead Ghana’s industrial and economic transformation. YEF is a strategic step in investing in that future,” he stated.
A key feature of the forum is the B&FT Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025, open to start-ups operating in the country for at least one year. The challenge will award selected businesses with prize items worth GH?50,000, alongside year-round mentorship, training, and exposure.
Dr. Acquaye noted that the challenge would go beyond a single event, evolving into a pipeline programme offering continuous support and development opportunities for youth-led enterprises.
He emphasised the role of partners such as Ecobank Ghana and the YEF Advisory Board, who will provide financial support, strategic guidance, and industry expertise to enhance the programme’s impact.
Applications for the challenge are now open, with a deadline of 18 August 2025. Shortlisted finalists will be interviewed in early September, with the top five winners announced on 8 September 2025.
Finalists will gain long-term benefits including media exposure, investor access, market linkages, and inclusion in the broader YEF support ecosystem.
The post B&FT launches Youth Economic Forum to support young entrepreneurs appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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