ASPIRE 2025 Summit ends on a high, igniting bold ideas and unusual strategies

The 7th edition of the ASPIRE Entrepreneurship and Career Development Summit has concluded in Accra with a bold charge to entrepreneurs and professionals to “do the unusual” to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

This year’s summit gathered thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and career professionals under the theme ‘Doing the Unusual’, sparking conversations around bold ideas, resilience, and business strategies that challenge conventional thinking.

High-profile contributors included Empress Jamila, an award-winning serial entrepreneur; Chichi Yakubu, Founder & CEO of Nyonyo Essentials; Amanda Akushie, Customer Experience Management Consultant; Sheena Sue Biney, General Manager of Wope Car; and Toyin Dania, an international development consultant. Each shared practical lessons from their own journeys—ranging from building sustainable enterprises to redefining leadership and customer experience.

As part of the summit’s broader programme, organisers announced the launch of the Skills Development Project, which will take place later this year. The initiative will provide hands-on training in innovation, crafts, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing ASPIRE’s commitment to empowering participants with practical tools beyond the inspiration of the main event.

In her opening remarks, Elizabeth Owusu-Boadi, Convenor of the ASPIRE Summit, underscored the importance of breaking away from traditional thinking. “Opportunities often come disguised as challenges, and progress belongs to those willing to take that extra step,” she said. “ASPIRE 2025 is a call to rise above fear, embrace creativity, resilience, and innovation, and walk the daring path that leads to transformation.”

Speakers reinforced this theme with candid reflections. Empress Jamila emphasised that a sustainable business can outlive its founder, adding, “Your name should be the unusual. Your innovation should be unusual. Don’t copy—if you do not serve, you cannot lead.” Chichi Yakubu encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace authenticity, noting, “A client can become a friend quicker than a friend becoming a client.

Share your authentic stories, unashamedly. Continuous learning ensures growth and sustainability.” Amanda Akushie urged businesses to put the right processes in place, saying, “Be ready to put in the strategies and systems to do the unusual in your business.” For Sheena Sue Biney, the message was personal: “The unusual is me. Lead with integrity, presence, and vision.”

Beyond inspiration, ASPIRE 2025 provided a platform for networking, mentorship, and showcasing youth-led enterprises. Participants also engaged in pitch sessions and workshops covering digital tools, financial literacy, personal branding, and leadership.

The summit’s objectives align closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)—by equipping participants with employability skills, linking them to opportunities, and encouraging sustainable business practices.

Organisers expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners, and volunteers, noting that ASPIRE has grown into one of Ghana’s most recognised platforms for entrepreneurship and career growth. Plans are already in motion for ASPIRE 2026, which promises to build on this year’s momentum.

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