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Richard Addison Steps Down as Chairman of Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs to Pursue Politics

Accra, Ghana – In a surprising but well-received announcement, Richard Addison has stepped down from his role as the chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs Governing Council, a position he has held and excelled in for the past two years. Addison’s decision comes as he prepares to fully immerse himself in the political landscape of Ghana, a move that aligns with the chamber’s strict non-partisan policy. Under Addison’s leadership, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs has seen significant growth and increased support for young entrepreneurs across the country. His innovative policies and commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for young business minds have been pivotal in the chamber’s success. His tenure has been marked by a series of successful initiatives and programs aimed at empowering the next generation of Ghanaian entrepreneurs. However, in keeping with the chamber’s policy, which mandates that leaders refrain from playing active roles in politics, Addison has chosen to resign. This policy ensures the chamber remains an unbiased and non-partisan entity, focusing solely on the development of young entrepreneurs in Ghana. In his heartfelt message, Addison expressed his deep affection for the chamber and its mission. “The chamber is very dear to my heart,” he said, emphasizing the significant role it has played in his life and career. He assured the chamber and its members of his ongoing support, even as he transitions into his new political role. Addison’s dedication to the chamber’s cause has been evident throughout his tenure. He has promised to continue supporting the chamber’s endeavours, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in Ghana. As the chamber prepares for a new chapter, Mr. Ernest Agyenim-Boateng will be acting as Chairperson until a new successor takes over. The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs remains committed to its mission of supporting and empowering young entrepreneurs across the nation, fostering an environment where innovation, creativity, and hard work are celebrated and nurtured. Richard Addison’s move into politics is not just a career shift but a testament to his unwavering commitment to national development. His legacy at the chamber will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for its continued success and as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs across Ghana.

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GCYE, European Union and SNV Ghana, Launches a 3 million Ghana Cedis Young Entrepreneurs and Start-ups Support Fund.

Accra, Ghana, September 7th, 2023 – In a ground-breaking initiative aimed at fostering youth-driven economic growth and innovation, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE) has announced the launch of a 3 million Ghana Cedis Member Contribution-Based Young Entrepreneurs and Start-ups Support Fund. This pioneering venture is made possible through the support of the European Union-funded SNV GrEEn project. In his opening address, the CEO of GCYE, Mr. Sherif Ghali underscored the challenges faced by young innovators in accessing finance and stressed the urgent need for financial resources and support. He also highlighted the pivotal role played by the chamber in Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, tracing the inception of the YESS Fund back to 2019 at the National Young Entrepreneurs Forum. “Over three years, the chamber diligently worked to establish this fund, consulting extensively with industry experts and regulatory authorities.” He said. The CEO commended the Bank of Ghana’s regulated third-party Chango App, which streamlined their efforts. Members embraced this innovation and started contributing to the realization of the YESS Fund. “YESS Fund is a tangible testament to the chamber’s commitment to empowering Ghana’s young entrepreneurs, rooted in values of unity, trust, innovation, and belief in their potential.” He added. Expressing gratitude to the EU-backed SNV Green Project for their crucial 250,000 euros contribution, the CEO called on other partners, governments, and organizations to join their transformative journey. He emphasized the reasons for support, including expanding the fund’s impact, nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship, aligning with global goals, and empowering Ghana’s youth to shape their economic futures. Concluding, he invoked the proverb “Heaven helps those who help themselves,” highlighting the fund’s origin in the determination and resourcefulness of young entrepreneurs. With collective support, the YESS Fund can make a profound difference in the lives of Ghana’s youth. In her official statement, Marta Brignone, the Programme Officer at the EU Delegation to Ghana, highlighted that the YESS Fund was not originally included in the project plan at the outset of the green initiative. However, the EU’s implementing partner, SNV, proposed the YESS Fund, which was deemed a brilliant, innovative, and sustainable approach to leave a lasting impact as the project nears its conclusion. Brignone underscored the EU’s strong enthusiasm for innovation and its commitment to ensuring sustainability. “As a development partner, our role only extends to contributing to the fund. It now falls upon your shoulders to ensure the fund’s long-term sustainability and growth, ensuring that future generations can reap its benefits.” Bettina Schoop, the Component Manager at the GIZ AgriBiz project, extended her congratulations to the chamber for their commendable initiative. She noted that her project had collaborated with the chamber on five distinct initiatives and expressed unwavering confidence in the chamber’s capacity to achieve the fund’s objectives. Schoop commended the European Union and SNV for their valuable support and financial assistance and expressed optimism that additional support would be forthcoming. During the fund’s inauguration, the Country Director of the SNV Netherlands development organization, Barbara White Nkoala, commended her green project team and the chamber for their pivotal contribution to the launch of the fund. She elaborated on the SNV GrEEn project, funded by the European Union, which centres on advancing green and inclusive growth while emphasizing the vital role of youth engagement in sustainable development. This collaborative effort underscores the EU’s dedication to nurturing youth entrepreneurship in Ghana and fostering economic resilience and sustainability. “I firmly believe that this fund represents a significant and enduring legacy for the green project. We hope that a decade from now, upon our return, the fund will have thrived, benefitting numerous businesses, particularly those in the green sector,” she remarked. The fund’s launch was a vibrant and memorable event, presided over by the SNV Country Director, with support from the EU representative, a representative from the Development Bank Ghana, and the CEO of the National Entrepreneurs and Innovation Programme. For media inquiries, please contact: +233 55 956 7713 info@gcyegh.org

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GCYE Launches Young Female Entrepreneurs Programme (YoFEP)

Accra, Ghana – June 15, 2023 – The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs has launched the Young Female Entrepreneurs Programme (YoFEP), a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young Ghanaian women in entrepreneurship. With a focus on providing comprehensive support, including training, mentorship, and access to capital, YoFEP seeks to enable the establishment and growth of sustainable businesses. The virtual launch event, held on June 15, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, industry leaders, and prominent figures dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. Chairperson, Mr Richard Adison of the Chamber’s Governing Council opened the event, extending a warm welcome to all participants and highlighting the Chamber’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs. Mr Sherif Ghali, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, presented a comprehensive overview of YoFEP, outlining its objectives and significance in driving economic growth. Ghali emphasized the program’s commitment to providing young female entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to succeed in their ventures. The keynote address was delivered by the esteemed Kosi Ayi-Yankey (Mrs), who captivated the audience with her profound statement, “The Future is Female and The Future is Entrepreneurship.” Ayi-Yankey, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, shed light on the government’s proactive measures to support women entrepreneurs and expressed her dedication to empowering women in business. She encouraged young females to seek information, grasp opportunities and emphasized the importance of collaboration among partners to maximize impact. During the event, partners including WUSC Ghana, GIZ, and the Development Bank Ghana congratulated the chamber for initiating YoFEP. These organizations pledged their continued collaboration to empower young female entrepreneurs in Ghana, recognizing the crucial role they play in driving innovation and economic progress. YoFEP holds immense promise in transforming the entrepreneurial landscape for young Ghanaian women. By removing barriers and fostering a supportive ecosystem, the program aims to elevate the participation of young women in entrepreneurship, creating a vibrant and inclusive business environment. For more information about the Young Female Entrepreneurs Programme and the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, please visit yofep.gcyegh.org .  About the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs: The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs is a leading organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering young entrepreneurs in Ghana. The Chamber provides a platform for networking, capacity building, and advocacy, striving to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurial success. Media Contact: Phone: +233 27 140 4713 Email: info@yofep.gcyegh.org

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Ghanaian Young Entrepreneurs to Engage NEIP CEO on YouStart at the Young Entrepreneurs Assembly.

Avocode Crack Accra, Ghana – The Young Entrepreneurs Assembly, a monthly dialogue series, is set to bring together young entrepreneurs in Ghana to connect with public and private sector leaders in promoting youth entrepreneurship in the country. This month’s Assembly will feature a discussion on the state of YouStart. This government initiative aims to provide funding and technical support to youth-led businesses in Ghana to help them start, build, and grow their businesses. The CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), the agency in charge of YouStart, will engage in a dialogue with young entrepreneurs to discuss the current state of the initiative and how they can benefit from it. The Young Entrepreneurs Assembly provides a unique forum for young entrepreneurs to engage with policymakers and industry leaders, exchange ideas, and explore ways to collaborate and gain support. By attending this webinar, young entrepreneurs can network with other young entrepreneurs, connect with industry leaders, and gain insights to help them succeed in their business ventures. Speaking about the upcoming webinar, the Ghana Chamber of Young entrepreneurs CEO stated, “We are excited to bring NEIP to engage with young entrepreneurs on the current state of YouStart and how they can benefit from it. We believe that YouStart has the potential to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in Ghana, and we are committed to ensuring that youth-led businesses have access to the funding and support they need to succeed.” The Young Entrepreneurs Assembly webinar is scheduled on Sunday, 26th February 2023, and 6 pm and is open to all young entrepreneurs in Ghana.  To register for the webinar, visit http://bit.ly/3Ex9nRN.

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GCYE’s CEO (Sherif Ghali) Nominated as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE) Africa

Spectrasonics Keyscape VST Crack The Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE) Africa is proud to announce the nomination of Sherif Ghali as its new chairperson. CAYE Africa is an initiative of the Commonwealth Secretariat which seeks to strengthen and support the ambitions of young entrepreneurs in Commonwealth regions. This regional network ensures young entrepreneurs have a combined voice and representation at forums to influence policy development on youth entrepreneurship. Sherif Ghali is a highly accomplished business executive with extensive experience in business development, entrepreneurship policy, and business advocacy. As the CEO of Ghana’s largest network of young entrepreneurs, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE), Ghali has demonstrated his passion for youth entrepreneurship development and has played a vital role in developing youth-focused policies in Ghana. “I am honored to have been nominated as chairperson of CAYE Africa,” said Ghali. “Youth entrepreneurship is critical to economic growth and job creation in Africa. I am committed to working with our network of young entrepreneurs to ensure that their voices are heard, and their interests are represented in policy development.” As chairperson of CAYE Africa, Ghali will lead the network’s efforts to develop youth entrepreneurship and innovation within Africa and the wider Commonwealth. Under his leadership, CAYE Africa will work to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed. “Sherif Ghali is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in youth entrepreneurship,” said Joel Bamwise, Coordinator of the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs -Africa. “We are confident that CAYE Africa will continue to thrive under his leadership and positively impact the lives of young entrepreneurs across the continent.” For more information about Sherif Ghali and CAYE Africa, please visit www.cayea.org.

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Ghana’s Largest Annual Young Entrepreneurs Gathering Successfully Held in Kumasi

DiskWarrior v6 Crack Under the theme “supporting youth enterprises for sustainable industrialization,” the 2022 Youth Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo (YES2022), the largest gathering of young entrepreneurs in Ghana, took place successfully in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region. This 3-day event began on December 8th and ended on December 11th. Several hundred young entrepreneurs, including key stakeholders, academia, policymakers, and traditional rulers, attended the event. Speaking at the summit during the opening ceremony, the Chairperson of the Chamber, Mr. Richard Addison, indicated that The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs exists primarily to champion the cause of young business owners in the country and has, over the years, adopted several initiatives and implemented a variety of innovative projects to support and promote the overarching goal of developing the extraordinary potential of the youth of Ghana to contribute to the socioeconomic development of our Motherland. He said that the yearlyYouth Entrepreneurship and Summit (YES)is the chamber’s flagship program, which seeks to promote youth entrepreneurship and create a platform for stakeholders to meet annually to brainstorm and explore creative approaches to addressing young entrepreneurs’ ever-changing needs and challenges. It is fitting that this year’s theme is “Empowering Youth Enterprises for Sustainable Industrialization” at a time when our dear country is struggling economically. We are all aware of the challenges confronting our nation on the back of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the simultaneous effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has exposed our over-dependence on externalities for sustenance as a nation.  Due to our heavy reliance on imports, there is a consensus that our country needs to industrialize because we must mass produce what we need. This will reduce bulk imports and increase youth employment. The summit aims to achieve this through peer-to-peer engagement, focused group discussions, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions.” He said He assured the government and development partners that the chamber’s doors would remain open to partnership and collaboration. Head of Entrepreneurship Projects and Business Development Services at the Development Bank Ghana, Mrs. Safakor Boadu, who represented the Deputy CEO at the summit, explained that DBG is a wholesale bank whose mandate is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic transformation by driving the growth of a competitive private sector. This is done by providing long-term financing to participatory financial institutions for onward lending to private enterprises. She said the Bank had partnered with GCYE to train at least 1000 young entrepreneurs to access medium-sized financing and scale up their businesses. Our partnership also focuses on women and youth since they are the main force behind community change. “We are happy to be here and wish to thank all other partners for making this program a success; SNV Ghana and GIZ.” She said For his part, the Programme Manager of Social Policy Session-Commonwealth Secretariat, London, Sushil Ram, noted that the commonwealth is focusing on strengthening youth employment and entrepreneurship policies; promoting employment and entrepreneurship in blue, green, and creative economies; developing digital and soft skills; strengthening of apprenticeships schemes and Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) systems; and promoting private-public partnerships to address youth employment. “Youth employment and entrepreneurship issues cannot be tackled through fragmented and isolated interventions. They require sustained and concerted action with strong political will and sustained commitment by all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and young entrepreneurs. It needs to be at the center of all relevant national development frameworks, and therefore an integrated, coherent, and coordinated response is required. “Many young entrepreneurs are already shaping the institutions and processes which combine to create the world. Thanks to your efforts, the world is a better place, and we all need the uplift and encouragement of being inspired by your initiatives,” Mr. Ram said. In his address, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, said it is essential for young entrepreneurs in the country to have continued renewals of ideas and values to ensure sustainable industrialization. There has been an increasing number of young entrepreneurs open to trying endless business possibilities to advance the country’s economic development. Mr. Kyerematen noted that this role is vital and requires businesses to exhibit dynamism and stability. “We cannot underestimate the importance of the continued renewal of ideas and values in society to ensure the hope of new enterprises. Undoubtedly, entrepreneurial innovation can lead to the reallocation of resources from the traditional agricultural sector to the modern manufacturing sector. What is needed are quality jobs through local industrialization,” he said. He further indicated that the government has set up several strategies to ensure that the youth are equipped to become entrepreneurial. “Despite the excellent picture painted of the role of youth entrepreneurs in sustainable industrialization, several challenges still need to be addressed to spur growth and development in Ghana. “It is against this backdrop that the government has put in place strategic measures to ensure the teeming youth, who are 60 percent of the country’s population, are better educated and equipped for the job market to become a digitally-enabled entrepreneurial generation,” he added. The minister said this in a keynote address read on his behalf by the Ashanti Regional Head of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Osman Mahmuda, at the third edition of the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES) organized by the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs – Africa, GIZ, Development Bank Ghana, SNV Ghana, and YESS Fund.

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Mr Sherif Ghali,CEO of the GCYE, Recognized as Youth Achiever in Entrepreneurship at the National Youth Achievers and Mentors Awards

Tamale, Ghana – 5th August 2022 – Mr Sherif Ghali, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, has been honoured with the distinguished title of “Youth Achiever in Entrepreneurship” at the just-ended National Youth Achievers and Mentors Awards. The event, organized by the National Youth Authority, took place in Tamale, in the Northern Region of Ghana. This recognition is a testament to Mr Ghali’s exceptional contributions to the field of entrepreneurship and his unwavering dedication to fostering youth empowerment. The National Youth Achievers and Mentors Awards, a merit-based awards initiative, aims to celebrate and honour exceptional young leaders who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their respective fields. Mr Sherif Ghali’s accomplishments within the realm of entrepreneurship have been nothing short of remarkable, cementing his status as Ghana’s Youth Entrepreneurship Ambassador and true trailblazer in the Ghanaian business landscape. Mr Ghali’s impressive achievements include: Mr. Ghali’s recognition as a Youth Achiever in Entrepreneurship serves as a source of inspiration for young people across the nation. His passion, dedication, and proven track record underscore his remarkable leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to driving positive change through entrepreneurship. Upon receiving this prestigious award, Mr. Sherif Ghali expressed his gratitude and emphasized his continued dedication to empowering the youth of Ghana through innovative entrepreneurship initiatives. He stated, “This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a testament to the incredible potential that resides within the young entrepreneurs of Ghana. “I am committed to continuing our work in creating a vibrant ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.” The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs congratulates Mr Sherif Ghali on this well-deserved accolade and remains steadfast in its mission to catalyze youth entrepreneurship development across the nation. About Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs: The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs is a leading organisation dedicated to advancing youth entrepreneurship and fostering an environment conducive to business innovation and growth. Through its impactful programs and initiatives, the chamber empowers young entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and support necessary to succeed in the dynamic business landscape of Ghana. For more information, please visit www.gcyegh.org.

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GCYE’s CEO Named Among Top 50 CEOs in Ghana for the Second Consecutive Year

Sherif Ghali, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE) and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs – Africa (CAYE Africa), has once again been recognized as one of Ghana’s Top 50 CEOs by Avance Media. This marks the second consecutive year that Ghali has received this accolade, highlighting his continued influence in Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape and his commitment to advancing youth-led businesses across Africa. The announcement was made by Avance Media’s Managing Director, Prince Akpah, who noted that this year’s selection also introduces the “Young CEO of the Year Award” to honor the most enterprising young leaders within the top 50. The public is invited to vote for their preferred candidate via yceo.votinghubgh.com, with the winners to be celebrated at the Africa Young CEO Summit in Accra on July 14. Ghali’s work with the GCYE has cemented his reputation as a key advocate for youth entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, the GCYE has become Ghana’s largest network of young entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, training, and funding opportunities to aspiring business leaders. Ghali has also played a leading role in drafting the Ghana Startup Bill, aimed at creating a supportive regulatory environment for startups, which is set to be presented in parliament. Beyond his role with GCYE, Ghali manages GhaTech Solutions, a technology company, and TIL Limited, a transport management firm, both based in Accra. His efforts have garnered several awards over the years, including Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2018 Youth and Mentors Achievers’ Awards and a special award at the 2017 National Young Entrepreneurs Awards. Through partnerships with international organizations like GIZ and the European Union, he has facilitated funding for over 50 young entrepreneurs, significantly impacting the economic landscape for youth-led businesses in Ghana. The Top 50 list for 2022 includes notable Ghanaian business figures like Caveman Watches CEO Anthony Dzamefe, Rigworld Group CEO Dr. Kofi Amoa-Abban, and 3Music Networks CEO Sadiq Abdulai Abu. This diverse lineup reflects the dynamic and resilient spirit of Ghana’s business community, which spans sectors from technology and media to agriculture and finance. Ghali’s repeated recognition underscores his dedication to empowering young entrepreneurs and shaping Ghana’s business future. A regular speaker at international forums, including the Commonwealth Youth Forum and ECA West Africa Business Forum, he advocates for policies that elevate young voices in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, not only in Ghana but across Africas.

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Over 600 women and youth owned MSMES in 13 Districts to be Supported To Formalize Their Businesses

To support green businesses that are making products and offering services that make use of waste materials and promotes climate resilience, SNV Ghana is partnering with the GCYE to facilitate a series of business support clinics for MSMEs in the Ashanti, Northern and Western regions.

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