The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing the “Business in a Box” (BizBox) project under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Program. This initiative aims to provide skills development training, mentorship, and coaching to shift the mindsets of the youth to become entrepreneurs and create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for Ghana’s youth, with a focus on women and persons with disabilities.

In the North Dayi District in October 2024, the project engaged 47 Skilled Craft Persons (SCPs) to train apprentices. Following this, a total of 217 individuals received training: 67 SCPs participated in the “Grow Your Business” training, and 150 apprentices underwent the “Start Your Business” training. Under the Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship (A2E) component, 28 males and 189 females were trained, emphasizing the project’s commitment to empowering women.

The BizBox project offers a holistic support system covering youth skills development, access to markets, start-up kits, social networks, and institutional strengthening. It focuses on sectors such as agriculture and agribusiness, tourism and creative industry, building and construction, and other areas like baking, welding, and electricals.

Through this initiative, the GEA and Mastercard Foundation aim to create dignified and fulfilling jobs for 250,000 young people in Ghana by 2027, with 70% being women and 10% persons with disabilities.