Written By Dr. Amanobea Boateng, Gender Consultant for GCIC 

World Mental Health Day was on 10^th October 2023. The objective of the commemoration is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilise efforts in support of mental health.[i] Fittingly that very week, on 8^th and 9^th November,  Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) held a two-day Women Entrepreneurs Transformation Programme (WETP) workshop with the theme “Self- Balance: Work + Life (Not forgetting Self)”. The WETP reflects the importance GCIC places on creating gender balance. Specially curated workshops support women entrepreneurs with their unique blend of needs arising from business as well as sociocultural gender responsibilities and challenges. The programme is designed to enhance women’s impact in business, leading to more equitable outcomes with their male counterparts.

The WHO defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. It is a basic human right and crucial to personal community and socio-economic development. It is more than the absence of mental disorders’.[ii]

Mental health is therefore integral to whole-person health and fundamental for human fulfilment and wellness. Unfortunately depression is the number one cause of disability globally and particularly in poorer African countries, with women being the predominant sufferers. The following facts provide some perspective:

• 75% of mental health sufferers in low-income African countries do not have access to care. [iii]
• Demand for mental health care is increasing in Africa, especially among vulnerable groups like women.
• In most of Africa, less than 1% of budget is allocated to mental health care.
• Africa has 100 million sufferers of clinical depression of which 66 million are women. [iv]
• Twice as many women as men suffer from depression globally.[v]

This bleak picture is worsened by the fact that culturally, mental illness is stigmatised and considered a taboo subject. It is shrouded in mystery and superstition and associated with the supernatural and in Ghana and elsewhere the worst sufferers are often victimized by their communities. Attitudes to mental health problems range from extreme, with sufferers considered mad or involved in witchcraft, to dismissive where problems are ignored or seen as self-indulgence. The inadequacy of mental healthcare has not helped but greater awareness, more open conversations, and education globally, mean that mental health is beginning to be de-stigmatised and normalised. This has been boosted by several high-profile people on the world scene speaking openly about their mental health struggles.

For entrepreneurs mental wellbeing is particularly important because a business founder’s journey is challenging in many ways. It can be lonely, hard, time-consuming, stressful, physically and mentally exhausting and have a heavy toll on the entrepreneur. Burnout, worry, sleeplessness, and stress are just a few of the symptoms often experienced by entrepreneurs. Unfortunately sufferers do not always recognise them as signs of underlying mental health problems, which could seriously compromise their overall health if ignored. The statistics above show that women are particularly susceptible to mental health problems and this is especially true of women entrepreneurs. The multiple responsibilities. of operating a business, caring for the home and family in addition to other duties can be taxing. African women are expected to be strong, uncomplaining, and capable of carrying out all the responsibilities that come with their traditionally assigned gender roles. This results in silence, internalisation and ignoring the warning signals.

Women entrepreneurs need to be proactive about preserving their mental health through self-care strategies such as regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, meditation, and time away from work. [vi] GCIC’s October WETP workshops were key to supporting the women cohort in this regard. They provided a safe space for participants to unburden and share their challenges and learn ways to maintain wholeness and wellness in order be happy and fulfilled in their business and personal lives. Open and honest conversations lifted the lid on internalized problems that could potentially build up to a damaging breaking point. Through sharing the women were able to gain perspective on some of their biggest challenges and start seeing solutions.

In order not to lose themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally some of the key lessons were centred on the following:

• Discovering, loving, and accepting yourself.
• Knowing who you really are.
• Improving your health to achieve success.
• Remembering to pause and reset.
• Mental and physical health to a happier you.
• Loving yourself, pouring into oneself before you can pour into others.
• Managing work / yourself / family.
• Living with Purpose.
• Planning Your Day for success.
• Asking for help.
• Finding strength to say no.
• Prioritising your life.

A particularly valuable result of the workshops was that by reflecting and confronting who they really are and talking about it, participants felt revived, and their loads lightened. Prior to this many had not realized the positive impact of speaking about their issues. Each person realized the importance of taking charge of the quality of their own lives by investing in themselves.

By highlighting the mind-body connection for overall health and the importance of being proactive, workshops like this are an important step towards normalizing conversations on mental wellbeing.

[i] https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

[ii] . https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

[iii] https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2015/03/mental-healthcare-in-sub-saharan-africa-challenges.html

[iv] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/08/4-facts-mental-health-africa/

[v] Ngcobo M, Pillay BJ. Depression in African women presenting for psychological services at a general hospital. Afr J Psychiatry (Johannesbg). 2008 May;11(2):133-7. doi: 10.4314/ajpsy.v11i2.30266. PMID: 19582332.

[vi] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/struggle-real-female-entrepreneurs-mental-health-diann-wingert/

People’s freedom to be and do what they want, in order to have fulfilled lives is the basis of the Capability approach by Amartya Sen. This social justice tool advocates for gender equality by: 

• Stressing that women’s economic participation is a major influence for positive social change; 
• Considering women as powerful agents for social change; 
• Stating that empowering women through access to capabilities that allow them to be and do what they want in order to lead fulfilled lives, enables them to improve their own lives and those of men and children as well.   

 GCIC continues to seek equitable outcomes for its cohort members by supporting women to grow their agency and overcome societal and internalised handicaps to their fulfilment as female entrepreneurs. The Women Entrepreneurs Transformation Programme (WETP) may be summed up by the Capability approach, which discourages a one-size-fits-all strategy to addressing social inequalities. This is because people are challenged differently and so providing an identical package of benefits to all does not result in their optimal use or equal outcomes. Achieving equality therefore requires the playing field to be evened by equipping people with tools to tackle underlying problems that hinder their optimal use of opportunities given.  

 In attempting to do this, one-on-one conversations were held with the women cohort to try and understand their multiple contexts and roles as entrepreneurs, daughters, wives, mothers, and community leaders. Gaining insights into their personalities, challenges, strengths, inner conflicts, insecurities as well as their joys will facilitate the design of WETP interventions that build them up to reach their potential as fulfilled women and entrepreneurs.  

Workshops for the current cohort began in December with a masterclass in barriers to finance that covered business strategy, followed by an investment readiness workshop. The genderised nature of business and different outcomes of male versus female owned businesses were highlighted. A look at reasons why women lag behind men in business performance revealed important differences in attitudes and how these could be overcome.  

Investment readiness examined the limitations to women’s financial access and gave an overview of different types of funding. Women were taught how to make their businesses more investable.   

In line with bridging the gap between female and male business outcomes, the WETP resumed in 2023 with a highly interactive masterclass that taught the importance of intentionality in business. Areas emphasized included the importance of a well thought out business strategy to enable goals to be achieved. Participants also learnt that whilst women often cite passion as their business motivation, profit clarity – knowing how to generate profit – is vital to ensuring a healthy business bottom line.  

Actualisation, values and agency, and vision were threads running through two workshops entitled “Not Forgetting Self” and “Living Out your Vision”. They taught about accomplishing goals through deliberate action and having a well-defined vision accompanied by values. Women were encouraged to visualize what they want in every area of personal and business life and to map out a plan of everyday actions to achieving it. Like the capability approach advocates, this is helping them to be and do what they choose.  

 Most women, including those empowered in workshops and elsewhere, continue to live and operate in contexts where gender prejudice is entrenched through culture and tradition. Initiatives like GCIC’s should not exist in isolation but need to be recognized and supported by a broad gender equality ecosystem reaching from community to country level that educates on the benefits to all of supporting females to reach their full potential. The capability approach could be employed as a useful tool for such an endeavour. 

Written by: Dr. Amanobea Boateng.

Dr. Amanobea Boateng is a Gender Consultant for the GCIC and is an International Consultant based in Ghana and South Africa with many years of experience in business development and Thought Leadership.

In the heart of Doboro, Accra, a milestone was reached in Ghana’s agribusiness sector with the official launch of Pure and Just Company’s factory. As a Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) Cohort 5 graduate, the company has grown into a key player in agribusiness, with a focus on sustainable practices and inclusive economic growth. The factory’s inauguration marks a pivotal step toward scaling their operations and creating lasting social impact. 

Yvette Tetteh, Co-Founder of Pure and Just, shared the company’s growth story since its establishment in 2018, and her passion for economic inclusion is also evident in the company’s dedication to empowering local farmers and promoting women’s employment in the agribusiness value chain. With the crucial backing of investors and international partners such as USAID, the business has leveraged this support to maximize its potential in the agribusiness sector. USAID’s assistance in 2024 has played a crucial role in expanding their reach and capabilities.  

Co-Founder Emmanuel Ampadu underscored three driving principles — vision, process, and people, that have driven Pure and Just Farms to a become a force in Ghana’s agricultural landscape. Emmanuel emphasized that the company’s vision has always been rooted in the desire to not only succeed as a business but to foster broad social and economic benefits which included creating jobs and providing smallholder farmers with the resources, markets, and support necessary to thrive. Central to this vision is the empowerment of women, in which he underscored the importance of enabling women to earn decent, sustainable incomes through their involvement in the value chain, from farming to processing.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Emmanuel acknowledged the many obstacles Pure and Just faced in its early stages, especially the financial and operational challenges that come with scaling a business in a resource-constrained environment. However, it was precisely this process that fortified the company’s resolve to stay true to its mission. At the heart of Pure and Just’s success, according to Emmanuel, are the people who have made it all possible. He paid tribute to co-founder Yvette Tetteh, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision. He also highlighted the critical support of partners such as Kwame Williams of True Foundry, whose collaboration has been pivotal in overcoming technical and operational challenges. 

At the event, Grace Lang, Acting Director of the Ghana Mission for USAID, highlighted the significant outcomes from their partnership with Pure and Just. Through funding from USAID, the company has not only met international standards but also gained a foothold in the European market by exporting 7 metric tons of dried fruit. Additionally, the installation of advanced drying technology has exponentially increased their production capacity from 1 metric ton per day to 6 metric tons resulting in an annual production volume of 240 metric tons. This growth in production volume has been accompanied by a significant rise in employment, with the workforce increasing more than threefold. The factory’s expansion has led to remarkable growth in employment, from 23 to 76 jobs, with the number of farmers supplying the business rising from 100 to 400. Additionally, the number of farmers supplying produce has grown substantially, with plans to expand their network to 1,500 farmers soon. 

The launch of Pure and Just’s factory represents a significant contribution to the development of Ghana’s agribusiness landscape. With its focus on job creation, women empowerment, and sustainable growth, the company exemplifies the potential of agribusinesses to drive economic and social transformation. For more information about GCIC’s support for climate-smart businesses, visit www.ghanacic.org. Explore Pure and Just’s products and growth by visiting www.pureandjustfood.com.

Written By: Ruka Sanusi (Executive Director, GCIC)

In today’s fast-paced and hyper-competitive business world, startups often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of challenges and obstacles, such as limited financial resources, difficulties in entering new markets, and a lack of specialised knowledge. In such a landscape, business incubators have emerged as vital allies. 

 Think of business incubators as guardian angels. From providing affordable office space, mentorship, technical advice, industry connections, resources – and sometimes even funding – they exist to help startups and entrepreneurs get off the ground and succeed. Many incubators also provide business services, including help with accounting, marketing and legal matters, often essential for smooth operations. They are a nurturing space, in which startups can thrive during those all-important formative stages. 

 There are several types of incubators too, catering to different needs, from social incubators (which focus on charities or community projects); seed accelerators (more intensive and time-limited programs, providing mentorship to founders); while examples of major incubators include Seedcamp, Europe’s largest collective of angel investors and founders, and Y Combinator, which has helped launch the likes of Dropbox and Airbnb by offering seed funding and connections to a whole network of investors. 

 The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) was created nearly 10 years ago with the purpose of supporting exceptional ventures and entrepreneurs who are pioneering effective solutions to climate change. In line with other incubators, we also offer tailored resources, including business training, financial grants, and access to global experts in areas such as agriculture, energy, solar power, water management, and waste management.  

 Startups are frequently hampered by financial constraints that make scaling operations and investing in technology very difficult. The sustainable packaging company Soko Bags, founded by Priscilla Yaa Birago in 2022, exemplified these struggles. Priscilla’s mission was to tackle the severe plastic waste crisis in Accra – a pressing issue in Ghana. Plastic, which accounts for a large portion of Ghana’s post-consumer waste, often ends up in open areas, drains, and streams, exacerbating an already severe sanitation problem. 

 Priscilla had found a solution, but faced significant obstacles, including limited resources, lack of market access, and insufficient technical expertise: the same sorts of challenges that make it difficult for start-ups to grow and refine their products. In Priscilla’s case, there was another big problem too: female entrepreneurs in Ghana (approximately 80 percent of women-owned businesses) very often struggle to get their businesses off the ground, owing to a lack of coordinated support, affordable long-term credit, and adequate access to new technologies. The GCIC focuses on women’s economic empowerment and inclusion – so Priscilla was an especially good fit. 

 The impact of incubation on startups is often profound, leading to remarkable growth. And such was the case with Soko Bags. Since joining the GCIC, it has expanded its team from just eight to 24 employees, enabling it to meet rising demand and cut lead times significantly. While its production capacity soared by 500%: monthly output increased from 1,000 to 5,000 biodegradable reusable bags, thanks to the introduction of energy-efficient machinery and streamlined manufacturing processes. 

 Meanwhile, revenue surged over 400 per cent from 2022 to 2023; a boost driven by an expanded product line, which now includes eco-friendly aprons and t-shirts, opening up another customer segment. While Soko Bags’ overall customer base grew from 135 in its first year – 31% retail and 68% wholesale – to 318, with wholesale making up 82% of its clientele. 

 With guidance, Soko Bags has also broadened its reach, establishing a presence in over seven countries, including emerging markets such as Bermuda and Uganda. And, overall, its growth has had a significant economic and social impact: it has created jobs, contributed to local economies, and provided a sustainable alternative to plastic waste – while its predominantly female workforce only underscores its dedication to gender equality and social empowerment. 

 Says Priscilla, “The incubator didn’t just provide us with tools and resources; it fundamentally transformed how we approach our business. It challenged us to think bigger, innovate fearlessly, and stay true to our mission of sustainability. The lessons we learned during that time continue to shape our decisions and drive our growth. I can confidently say that Soko Bags wouldn’t be where it is today without the support and guidance we received from the incubator.”  

 At GCIC, we hope to witness a new wave of businesses tackling future challenges with innovation and resilience, as more startups embrace the benefits of incubation. The story of Soko Bags serves as a powerful reminder of the value of joining an incubator like ours. It illustrates how the right support can transform startups into amazing success stories, driving both business growth and positive societal impact. 

 Congratulations to you Priscilla and all at Soko Bags. It has been a privilege to join you on your journey and I can’t wait to see where you go next.   

 

Standard Chartered is set to host its Cohort 4 Women in Tech Pitch and Graduation Ceremony in September. This event will celebrate the achievements of 20 remarkable women who have completed the Standard Chartered Women in Tech (SCWIT) program.  

Despite the rapid growth of the technology sector, women remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures. According to recent studies, women hold only 26% of jobs in technology-related fields globally, and an even smaller percentage are leading tech startups. For female entrepreneurs who own technology SMEs, these challenges are exacerbated by limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks, which are crucial for business growth and sustainability. Addressing these barriers is not just a matter of fairness; it’s an economic imperative. Research shows that gender-diverse teams are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability, highlighting the untapped potential of women in tech. 

 Recognizing this, the Standard Chartered Women in Tech (SCWIT) program was established to provide women with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in the technology industry.  Throughout the program run by the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), participants engage in a series of intensive in-person and online classes and workshops that cover various aspects of entrepreneurship, including business strategy, financial management, marketing, and sustainable business practices. The program also provides access to one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience in developing and refining their business ideas.  This comprehensive approach ensures that by the end of the six-month incubation, participants are well-prepared to lead successful and impactful tech enterprises. 

 The Pitch and Graduation Ceremony will serve as a platform to showcase the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of these women, demonstrating the transformative impact that female-led businesses can have on the tech industry and the broader economy. The event will foster connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders, creating opportunities for collaboration and further growth. As SCWIT continues to bridge the gender gap in technology, this ceremony not only marks the end of a journey for Cohort 4 participants but also the beginning of new possibilities for women in tech across Ghana. 

 “As a bank that champions diversity and inclusion, we are incredibly proud to support these talented women who are breaking barriers in the tech industry,” said Asiedua Addae, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana. “Through the SCWIT program, we are not only empowering these entrepreneurs to grow their businesses but also contributing to the broader goal of achieving gender equality in the tech sector and beyond. We believe that by investing in women, we are investing in the future of our economy.”  Visit https://scwomenintechgh.com 

 

Food Waste Being Made More Efficient in Ghana

 

Das Biogas, a start-up comprised of young, spirited and creative team of entrepreneurs, is providing a waste-to-wealth solution for sorting and treating biodegradable household kitchen waste in Ghana. . In a nation where waste of every kind is eagerly disposed of legitimately or illegitimately, Das Biogas are designing an innovative mechanism of responsibly disposing of organic kitchen waste right from your kitchen sink – and generating cooking gas in the process. Responding to the need for a global circular economy, the start-up is creating wealth, even environmental wealth, from organic kitchen waste which would have ordinarily ended up on landfill sites, emitting GHGs and posing a significant health risk in the process. Further, the liquid fertilizer residue generated from the system after waste treatment can also be used to water the garden areas or even farmlands.

 

Enoch Boadu, the Founder of Das Biogas, is a 35 year old Mechanical Engineer with an tremendous passion and interest in contributing to the Sustainable Development Gthrough innovation to waste management in Ghana. Enoch’s venture is one of 11 selected companies in the first cohort of entrepreneurs admitted into the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) in May 2017. Enoch and his team have been experimenting with different versions of the portable biogas plant and look forward to perfecting the design for a seamless integration into many kitchens in Ghana.

The use of the portable biogas plant encourages the culture of waste segregation in Ghana and potentially reduces the financial and social costs of waste disposal. The biogas produced from the plan potentially replaces the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and wood fuel for cooking and by extension deforestation in many parts of the country.

Through the support provided at the GCIC, Enoch is gaining valuable insights in the areas of technology and product development, entrepreneurship and venture acceleration, as well as market access interventions to sustainably scale his business. In his own words, Enoch says, “He looks forward to perfecting the portable biogas plant and making it a visible feature of every kitchen in Ghana.”

 

On September 25th 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.

At the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, our activities will support government in achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS): Climate action, No poverty, Zero hunger, Gender equality, Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and Clean energy, Industry, Innovation and infrastructure, Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Life on Land , Decent work and Economic growth, Responsible consumption and Partnership for the Goals.

 

The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre has admitted its first group of entrepreneurs into its business incubator at the Ashesi University College. The 11 entrepreneurs were selected from a total of 72 entrepreneurs from across Ghana who applied to the GCIC’s call for Expression of Interest last year. Inter alia, the business advisory and support facilities that the successful businesses will receive from the Centre includes

1. Provision of office space and facilities
2. Business skills training & mentoring by a select group of established business leaders and social entrepreneurs
3. Proof of Concept grants
4. Funding facilitation
5. Market growth and market access support services
6. Technical assistance with technology and product development
7. Policy advocacy & regulatory support services

The induction of the first cohort of entrepreneurs marks a milestone in the life of the Centre which aims at supporting over 100 climate innovation businesses by the year 2020.

 

 

Speaking at the event, Ms. Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of GCIC stressed on the Centre’s mission to constantly create & support an exceptional set of transformational innovative ventures who are pioneering adaptive and mitigating solutions for climate change issues in Ghana.

“We incubate businesses and business leaders to operate their enterprises at the place of joint value — that point where the needs of society, the CEO/business, client and stakeholder values and needs can be maximised,” she said.

Entrepreneurs involved in clean ventures can apply for support from the Centre by responding to a call for expression of interest that is available at www.ghanacic.org.

 

 

About GCIC:

The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) is a pioneering business incubator whose objective is to to support Ghanaian entrepreneurs and ventures involved in developing profitable and locally-appropriate solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Centre’s key focus is on businesses operating within the areas of energy efficiency, domestic waste management, solar energy, water supply management and purification, and climate smart agriculture.

The GCIC is part of the World Bank’s Climate Technology Program and its global network of Climate Innovation Centres which include centres in Caribbean, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, and Vietnam.

Supported by the governments of Denmark and the Netherlands, the centre is managed by a consortium led by the Ashesi University College and includes Ernst & Young, SNV Netherlands Development Organization, and the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa.

# # # #

Press Contact:

Ghana Climate Innovation Centre Abdul-Nasser Alidu
Tel: +233 27 7551463
Email: aalidu@ghanacic.org

The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre’s annual thought leadership symposium, Incubating Climate Innovation, will be held at the Movenpick Hotel on the 15th of June 2023.  In its fifth year of operation, Incubating Climate Innovation 2023 is being convened under the theme: ‘Building a Resilient Green Economy in Ghana – Policy Partnerships And Finance’. 

Financing for green, climate-responsive small and medium sized enterprises is limited.  Yet, creating and building long-term economic and societal value through sustainable investment, banking, and lending is crucial for a developing economy such as Ghana.  The enquiry of Incubating Climate Innovation 2023 is whether current financial models, products, and impact investment models in Ghana can foster the transition to a robust low carbon economy.  It is our posit at the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) that there are significant investment opportunities within the transition to a low carbon economy.  Boosting green finance can significantly reduce climate risks and catalyze investments to address climate impacts. 

Ghana can successfully pursue its development objectives while considering the challenges of climate change and the opportunities from the transition.  The country has made determined, ambitious, climate commitments.  Notwithstanding, stronger institutional coordination across MMDAs is needed, as are fiscal, legal, and regulatory reforms that can strengthen the transition to low carbon pathways and attract private sector finance and investments.  

This year’s 5th annual Incubating Climate Innovation symposium has been structured to engage policy makers, donors, financial institutions, and climate entrepreneurs especially on the issues of green finance, sustainable finance, and its policy underpinnings.  Through keynote deliveries, panels and Q&A sessions, our practiced invited speakers will offer their unique perspective and insights through discussions and deliberations that will focus on critical issues on: 

• Fostering sustainable, resilient, and green economic growth in Ghana: exploring the macroeconomic variables to shape our future. 

• Policy for a Green Economy: Strengthening governance mechanisms, policy incentives, and legal frameworks to address climate change and promote greener, more sustainable economic development. 

• Sustainable Finance: Emphasizing the creation of long-term economic and societal value through sustainable investment, banking, and lending practices. 

• Exploring the potential of current financial models, product development, and impact investment models in building a robust low-carbon economy in Ghana. 

 #IncubatingClimateInnovation2023 also aims to foster widespread engagement by leveraging the media community and focused public relations efforts. 

Visit https://incubator.ghanacic.org/ for more information.  

Our success stories, such as climate-smart farms, highlight how collaboration and empathy can lead to remarkable, sustainable outcomes, GCIC Executive Director, Ruka Sanusi explains.

In the intricate tapestry of leadership, collaboration and empathy are the golden threads that bind and strengthen the fabric of our shared endeavours. And whether you take the view that the world is increasingly interconnected – or increasingly fractured – the ability to work together and understand one another’s experiences is not just a nicety, but a compelling necessity. This is especially true in addressing global challenges such as climate change, where the stakes couldn’t be higher, yet the solutions are incredibly complex.

At the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), we’re firm believers in the transformative power of collaboration and empathy; principles that underpin everything we do. Why? Because as numerous studies suggest: they work. Research from Deloitte indicates that organisations with inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed their financial targets^[1]; while a study by The Institute for Corporate Productivity and Babson College found that companies promoting collaborative work environments were five times more likely to be high performing.^[2]

Accordingly, our approach is not merely about delivering solutions but about fostering partnerships where every voice is heard, every experience valued, and every effort harmonised towards a common goal. And this philosophy is reflected in our next project, GCIC 3.0, designed to drive impactful change through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable practices.

In this area of climate change particularly, collaboration is key. At GCIC, we understand the challenges Ghana faces – because we live them. We may not always have the financial resources to deliver large-scale solutions, but we have an intimate knowledge of the existing problems and a collaborative spirit that invites others to join us in finding solutions. In our certain experience, donors and partners actively look for organisations that can leverage their diverse strengths to achieve greater outcomes, and such an approach can transform partnerships from mere financial transactions into dynamic, learning experiences in which we grow and achieve together.

Accessibility is key

One powerful example of this is our work with smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in feeding us. Many of these farmers face barriers, such as language differences and varying levels of education, that prevent them from fully participating in traditional incubation programs, which unfortunately can often be somewhat elitist and exclusive.

In May 2024, we began collaborating with Farmerline, an AgriTech firm, which has already reached some 2.2 million farmers through more than 3,000 partners across 48 countries. Working in conjunction, we have made our programs accessible to these essential members of the community, developing ways to provide them with financial support and help them transition to more climate-smart agricultural practices. By translating business management training into practical, understandable formats and languages they can understand, we aim to help some 12,000 farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices across West Africa.

Already, these farmers are doing remarkable work. Indeed, we have set up demonstration farms across Ghana, where farmers are using climate-smart practices to grow soybeans, alongside traditional methods. By seeing firsthand the difference in their crop yields and quality, farmers are far more likely to adopt these sustainable practices. Additionally, our partnership with Farmerline can provide low-interest credit to help them fully embrace these new techniques.

Success stories such as these demonstrate that empathy and collaboration lead to impactful and sustainable outcomes. And we know that when donors see that their contributions are part of a holistic, inclusive process, they’re more likely to engage and invest. They’re not just funding a project; they’re joining a movement that respects local knowledge and prioritises mutual growth.

Better together

All our partnerships are testament to this collaborative spirit: since 2016, GCIC, an institute of Ashesi University, has incubated more than 170 businesses with funding from the World Bank and Global Affairs Canada, and despite the rigid structures often associated with donor programs, we were able to present a compelling business case to the latter that highlighted the importance of addressing food security and women’s empowerment. Their willingness to adapt and support our initiative speaks volumes about the potential of empathetic and flexible partnerships.

This collaborative approach extends to our interactions with other development partners too. We engage in continuous dialogue, ensuring our goals align with broader development objectives while remaining responsive to the needs of our local communities. By fostering such relationships, we not only secure funding but also create a network of support that only enhances our impact.

At GCIC, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but know there’s always more to be done. As we move forward, we invite others to join us in this journey. Let us work together, learn from each other, and grow together. Collaboration and empathy are not just the keys to effective leadership; they are the foundation of a better, more sustainable world. www.farmerline.co

 

Reference

^[1] https://www2.deloitte.com/xe/en/insights/focus/cio-insider-business-insights/perspectives-on-gender-diversity-and-inclusion.html#:~:text=Organizations%20with%20inclusive%20cultures%20are,to%20achieve%20better%20business%20outcomes.

^[2] https://robinpowered.com/blog/the-science-behind-office-collaboration#:~:text=Companies%20that%20actively%20work%20to,Corporate%20Productivity%20and%20Babson%20College.

 

How will finding my inner leader help my business? That was one of the first questions participants raised during the opening day-retreat of the Women Entrepreneur Transformation Programme (WETP) run by leadership transformation facilitator and coach

Rachel Allan at the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) at Ashesi University in February.

Eight inspiring women – all leading organisations working on environmental challenges and coming from the GCIC network – are part of the programme. These leaders are united through their passion for environmental issues and the ambition to make this world a better place through how they lead their businesses.

The GCIC sits on top of a hill overlooking Accra in a quiet surrounding. “The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time,” is written on the wall of the room where we were going to spend the day. Arriving there, I am thinking, it’s the perfect location for such a programme

The Women Entrepreneur Transformation Programme aims to unleash the untapped potential of female entrepreneurs. Upon completion of the 6-months programme, participants will have transformed their leadership with increased authenticity, trust and awareness, and they will increase their impact in the world. They will have established a new community of like-minded women that will be a support system on this self-development path, and potentially beyond, and will be stronger role-models to other female entrepreneurs. Ultimately, leading from the inside out, they will guide their businesses purposefully, authentically and consciously, they will have an impact on the transformation of Ghana’s economy, leadership, and contribute to tackling some the country’s most pressing environmental challenges

“We are all leaders: a leader is responsible for their world, however big or small. I firmly believe that leadership starts within and the only way to evoke positive transformation at home, work, our communities, the world, is to start there: within. Our inner leadership directly influences our outer impact,” explains Rachel

Rachel is a coach who works mainly with women, supporting them to increase their impact in the world through 1-2-1 coaching, group facilitated learning journeys and consultancy. She is a passionate advocate for slowing down, aligning with purpose, building trust and taking action, as well as women’s rights and climate action. She has successfully run similar programmes in Nepal, Indonesia and Europe

The cooperation with the GCIC and its Executive Director Ruka Sanusi seems to be a natural match: Rachel shares a strong interest in environmental issues, and the GCIC aims to create transformational ventures and entrepreneurs who are pioneering innovative solutions for climate change issues in Ghana, mainly in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy; solar power; climate smart agriculture; and waste management and purification

The first session of the 6-months programme aimed to create a safe space of trust, inspiration, motivation – and commitment to be an active member of the community. There was a lot of energy in the room from the beginning, which seemed to multiply as the day unfolded, and everyone seemed to be open to take in whatever was going to come.

Everyone was indeed sharing openly very personal experiences and emotions that were brought up through visualisation exercises, and challenges that asked participants to describe themselves at their best and their worst, and to develop their “life purpose” statements, to give but a few examples.

A lot to digest! And the programme is well designed to do so. In the meantime, the women have started going through one-on-one coaching and group sessions. Additionally, weekly motivational emails and monthly webinars and accountability calls, and many hands-on exercises are designed to explore themes such as self-awareness, personal responsibility, overcoming challenges, resilience, and speaking up.

Many of the women entered the programme with little or no expectations. All of them confirmed that already the first workshop had achieved to create a community of like-minded – though “uniquely different” (as one of the participants stated) – women. They have embarked on a joint journey and are committed to “help, encourage and correct each other, and bring change into our lives,” as one woman said

We are now in the middle of what has already proved to be a transformative journey. And the question, in how far the programme would help the women’s businesses, has clearly been answered by one participant: “We need to know who we are, and we will be able to lead our businesses.”

 

For the 157^th Canada Day celebration this year, the Canadian High Commission partnered with Ghana Climate Innovation Centre supported entrepreneurs.  The High Commission offered GCIC entrepreneurs the opportunity to co-sponsor the national day celebration, showcasing their business to the diverse group of invitees at the event which was held at the High Commissioner’s residence in Accra.

GCIC alumni business and catering company, Malindis gladly took up the offer not only to be a sponsor but to use their sponsorship to cater the food for the reception.  It was an opportunity to showcase their business brand and sustainability focus to the wider diplomatic, public and private sector community. Using locally sourced vegetables and meat, cooked on sustainable biomass briquettes made from biodegradable green waste, which emit fewer greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide than traditional fuels, Malindis tantalized the guests’ palates.

Canada Day in Ghana underscores the significant milestones in Canada-Ghana relations, including the establishment of Canada’s first bilateral African development program in Ghana during the 1960s. With over US$3.2 billion in development assistance to date, Ghana stands as one of Canada’s most crucial international partners. Canada has a multifaceted partnership with Ghana spanning areas such as peace and security, trade and investment, economic growth, health, sanitation, agriculture, and climate action, which includes the GCIC partnership.

Hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner, the event was a convergence point for diplomats, public and private sector leaders, which Malindis now can leverage for unparalleled networking opportunities and visibility that will potentially lead to new partnerships, increased brand recognition, and potential business growth.

Malindis, as part of its commitment to sustainability and innovation through its participation in the GCIC incubator, has implemented significant eco-friendly changes to reduce its carbon footprint. Firstly, Malindis transitioned from using traditional wood charcoal to biomass charcoal for cooking, thereby reducing deforestation and carbon emissions. Secondly, the organization went off-grid by adopting 100% solar energy, showcasing a complete shift to renewable power sources. Finally, Malindis enhanced its food waste management practices, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to waste reduction which aims to contribute to tackling Ghana’s economic burden of food waste, estimated by the FAO to be approximately $750 million annually (FAO, 2019). By aligning with the values of environmental stewardship and innovation championed by both Canada and the GCIC, Malindis is demonstrating their leadership in sustainable catering and reinforcing their position as a forward-thinking enterprise in Ghana’s food industry.