The cohort in a photograph with stakeholders

Eight young Ghanaian entrepreneurs have successfully graduated after undergoing seven months of incubation under the Next Innovation With Japan NINJA Project organised by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This was done in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) and Accra Digital Centre (ADC) together with various key startup ecosystem players.

The Project NINJA programme is JICA’s global initiative to support entrepreneurs and create business innovation in emerging countries and support startups to turn their dreams into reality by uncovering prospective customers’ pain points and nurturing them continuous development.

The project received about 125 applications, which was whittled down to eight applicants who were taken through seven months of incubation to monitor their progress and give them the needed support through mentorship among others.

Each startup was supported with GH₵30,000 to help them achieve their dream and expand their businesses.

Speaking at the demonstration day held at the ADC on Tuesday October 25, 2022, the Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Araki Yasoumichi commended the GDA, GEA and MDF West Africa for their immense contribution.

Mr.Yasoumichi was optimistic that the support given them would go a long way to expand their startups and solve problems in the society.

According to MDF West Africa’s Programme Manager, Julia Appiah, it was tough cutting down the number because the organisers received a lot of good business modules, but had to prune them down to eight and mentor them.

She said some were just ideas, and through the support today, it has become a reality. She encouraged the entrepreneurs to put whatever they have learnt to good use.

David Ofori of ADC said they have a mandate to be an instigator in the digital space and considering the focus of NINJA, it was a step in the right direction partnering them to nurture future entrepreneurs.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme