EDULearn Services Limited has launched the first cohort of its Youth Entrepreneurship Academy, a dynamic initiative designed to address the pressing challenge of youth unemployment in the country.

The programme, which began on January 26, 2025, at the Centrelink Conference Centre, Methodist University, Accra, will run through Friday, January 31, 2025.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Ato Essuman, Executive Chairman of EDULearn, emphasised the essential role entrepreneurship plays in economic and social development. He spotlighted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent about 94% of the country's industrial sector and are responsible for creating most of the informal jobs, especially in a nation where 80% of employment is within this sector.

Professor Essuman pointed out that with 60% of the population under the age of 35, youth unemployment had become a national security issue that demanded urgent attention. He noted despite numerous government initiatives aimed at solving the problem, many young people continued to seek government jobs, overlooking the potential of self-employment and entrepreneurship.

"Government does not create wealth; entrepreneurs do," he said, calling for a change in mindset towards entrepreneurship as a practical conduit to job creation.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Academy is specifically designed for post-national service personnel and unemployed youth, with the aim of equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving economy.

EDULearn Services Ltd., the programme’s organiser, seeks to develop skilled manpower through educational and vocational programmes that align with the needs of emerging industries. This initiative is meant to inspire young people by teaching them the fundamental principles of business, promoting an entrepreneurial mindset, and exposing them to the processes that make businesses succeed.

The academy is also focused on encouraging young people to explore creative and problem-solving techniques to adapt to the modern economic environment. By offering hands-on training in various aspects of entrepreneurship, the programme aims to prepare participants to become successful business owners who can contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Professor Essuman reiterated that the growth of businesses depended not only on knowledge but also on the support structures available to entrepreneurs, including access to capital and a stable business environment.

Addressing the challenges that entrepreneurs face, Professor Essuman discussed the importance of creating an environment conducive to investment. He stressed that capital, while critical for job creation, often flowed to regions that offered political stability, good governance, and a favourable business climate, noting that many investment efforts faltered during times of political instability.

He further emphasised the importance of good governance, including an efficient judiciary system, which would ensure that entrepreneurs felt secure in making investments.

The Guest Speaker, Mr Robert Bennin, Founder and Head of Executive Coaching, Temple Advisory emphasised that one’s career did not have to follow the same path as one’s degree, and admonished participants who were mainly fresh graduates, to be open to exploring opportunities outside their field of study. 

He indicated that growth often came from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing change.

“The skills you gained in school like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking can be applied to a wide range of roles, even if they aren’t directly related to your degree”, he said.

Looking ahead, EDULearn will continue to provide training through subsequent cohorts of the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy.

Participants expressed optimism about their future prospects, with many eager to embark on entrepreneurial ventures that can help address the unemployment crisis in the country.

The second cohort will begin on February 2, 2025, and run through February 7, 2025.