Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), has been invited to speak at the prestigious African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS24) in California. The event will take place from March 20th to 22nd, 2024.

Ruka Sanusi will address attendees on the topic of “Transformative Education: Climate Change Literacy and Learning” on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, at 3:45 PM PST.

Bringing her extensive expertise as a management consultant with experience spanning Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, Ruka Sanusi will share insights gleaned from her leadership at the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre. With a focus on interrogating climate change literacy and learning, her session will emphasize the critical role of education, and particularly business and or executive education, in equipping individuals, businesses and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the global climate crisis.

The session will explore pertinent questions such as:

• How can climate change literacy and learning empower individuals with knowledge and best practices to address the global crisis?
• In what ways are countries integrating climate education into education systems to promote a more environmentally conscious and responsible society?
• How do we empower people to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions toward a sustainable future?

Recognizing the vital role of educational institutions, NGOs, governments, corporations, and individuals in combatting climate change, Ruka Sanusi will advocate for the prioritization of climate change literacy and learning within the whole of society learning and education systems. Such efforts, she argues, will foster a more environmentally conscious and responsible society.

Hosted by the African Diaspora Network, ADIS24 is an annual global convening that celebrates and champions the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Africans, African Diasporans, and friends of Africa. The symposium aims to inspire and equip participants to be agents of change and active contributors to the development of Africa and the communities in which the diaspora resides.

The event, held in Silicon Valley, California, will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the globe to envision the future of the African continent.

For more information about the event and to access the list of speakers, please visit: https://africandiasporanetwork.org/programs/adis24/transformative-education-climate-change-literacy-and-learning/

The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), an Ashesi University Institute, was honored to participate in Canada’s Partners Forum on January 23 and 24, 2024. This event, attended by representatives from over 45 international assistance organizations in Ghana, aimed to strengthen partnerships and collaboration for sustainable development between Canada and Ghana.

The forum focused on achieving three main objectives: Better Partnerships, Better Programs, and Better Results and provided a platform for partners to exchange ideas, network, coordinate efforts, and map out common strategies to respond to Ghana’s development agenda.

The Executive Director of the GCIC, Ruka Sanusi joined a Panel Discussion on “Creating More Sustainable Partnerships Through Localization Of Development Interventions” about the GCIC’s experiences as a Ghanaian organization implementing a GAC project in Ghana and how donors such as Canada can better partner with local organizations for improved development outcomes.

Prior to the forum, GCIC participated in a marketplace of projects, which showcased significant work in areas such as inclusive economic growth, health, gender equality, and environment and climate action, including contributions from the GCIC alumni.

Canada’s ongoing engagement in Ghana, with an annual investment of approximately CAD 95 million across 40 operational development projects, highlights its commitment to sectors like agriculture, health, gender equality, environment, and climate change.

The event was attended by senior representatives of the Government of Ghana, local and international civil society organizations, the private sector, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund and marks an important milestone in strengthening partnerships and collaboration for sustainable development in Ghana, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to supporting Ghana’s development goals.

The GCIC, with the support of Global Affairs Canada, has disbursed CAD 644,943 in grants and supported businesses to create six hundred and seventy-eight (678) new jobs.  Visit https://ghanacic.org/results/global-affairs-canada-results to find out more about the GCIC’s impact.

In January 2024, the GCIC collaborated with Duke Corporate Education and the International Women’s Foundation, South Africa (IWFSA) to host a special event for its cohort of participants, which notably included 41 female professionals. The event provided these participants with a valuable opportunity to engage with GCIC staff and alumni.

The event included a dynamic panel discussion with the theme “Technology Innovations And How We Are Navigating The Digital Vortex.” The panel featured esteemed GCIC alumni Dr. Phylis Addo from Rhema Engineering and Anarpoka Adazabra from Farmio, with moderation by Major General Ntsiki Memela-Motum.

This event aligns closely with the GCIC’s strategic priorities and activities, particularly in the realms of Advocacy and Continuous Ecosystem Building. Through initiatives like storytelling and communication on climate change and climate action, the GCIC aims to drive behavioral change and engage the entrepreneurial ecosystem and stakeholders in the green economy through various online and offline events and channels. Moreover, participating in the event underscores the GCIC’s commitment to addressing Gender issues and women’s economic empowerment, a vital aspect of its work.

Duke Corporate Education brings a unique objective to the table: igniting transformation with creativity and flexibility. Drawing on a globally diverse range of educators, learning methodologies, and modalities, their aim is to push our thinking and create new solutions. Partnering with the IWF organization, which comprises over 7800 pre-eminent women leaders from 34 countries across 6 continents, Duke Corporate Education endeavors to nurture and develop a pipeline of the next generation of women leaders through targeted Leadership Development programs, mentoring, and coaching.

This collaboration between the GCIC, Duke Corporate Education, and IWFSA emphasizes a shared commitment to fostering innovation, empowering women in leadership, and driving positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Under the funding of Global Affairs Canada, the GCIC has forged partnerships with seven organizations sharing similar objectives and goals, aiming to collaboratively address common challenges and work towards shared objectives. Find out more about our policy advocacy partnership with Imani Africa by visiting https://ghanacic.org/download-category/policy-papers

After the successful launch of the Call for Applications for Cohort 9 of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), the GCIC roadshow journeyed to Cape Coast (Central Region) and Sunyani (Brong Ahafo Region). Our aim? To spread awareness about the GCIC business incubator, share application details for each cohort, and outline the requirements for applying businesses.

Our roadshow has several objectives as outlined below:

Promoting Sustainable Innovations:

The GCIC showcased cutting-edge green technologies and sustainable solutions through a mini bootcamp session.  This also included spotlighting success stories by our alumni that underlines the positive environmental and socio-economic impacts of these innovations.

The bootcamp served as a catalyst, inspiring individuals, businesses, and communities to embrace sustainable practices, fostering a shared sense of responsibility towards building a more sustainable and resilient future. Additionally, we expanded our network through collaborations with local hubs, organizations, and businesses dedicated to advancing climate-resilient initiatives. Through visits and radio interviews, we raised awareness about the urgent climate challenges facing our planet, emphasizing the role of innovation in mitigating climate change. Furthermore, we implemented mechanisms to measure the impact of our roadshow on local ecosystems, business development, and awareness levels, gathering valuable feedback from participants to improve future initiatives.

We are pleased to report that our roadshows drew a diverse audience, with 60.4% male and 39.6% female attendees, reflecting the gender distribution of SME owners outside of Accra. Furthermore, over 72.7% of participants hailed from the greening enterprise sector, while 27.3% represented Climate Smart Agriculture, indicating the focus of business sectors in these regions.

The feedback on the GCIC’s roadshows, emphasizing these events as an inspiring catalyst for sustainable innovations and collective commitment towards a greener and more resilient future, is incredibly encouraging. The consolidation of this feedback into various activities, such as the School of Sustainable Enterprise, policy advocacy for a green economy, and storytelling, further amplifies the reach and impact of GCIC’s mission. By integrating these insights into educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and narrative-building, GCIC is effectively leveraging its influence to advance sustainability agendas and empower stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

The GCIC, under the funding of Global Affairs Canada, has incubated seventy (70) businesses, 38 being male led and 32, female led, and has organized six (6) National Green Business Roadshows.

To find out more about the GCIC’s impact, visit https://ghanacic.org/results/global-affairs-canada-results

 

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Cohort 4 of the Standard Chartered Women in Technology (SCWIT) Incubator Programme. This initiative supports female-led and/or owned businesses, in line with the growing demand for diversity in technology and entrepreneurship. It underscores the need for increased opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership excellence, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, with specific focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. The programme is implemented by Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (AU-GCIC).

Through the SCWIT Incubator Programme, selected women entrepreneurs get access to a comprehensive incubation experience, featuring personalized business advisory services, mentorship, and financial grants, as well as several skills development masterclasses, including participating in the high value Mini MBA programme curated by AU-GCIC.

The programme cumulatively aims to equip the female led enterprises with the transformational and essential skills needed for success in the dynamic tech enabled business landscape. Entrepreneurs selected for the initiative will benefit from immersive learning in business management and operations and access to a range of services, including legal, accounting, financial planning, and tech support, as well as valuable networking opportunities with successful peers and industry experts.

Upon completion, the participants will showcase their businesses, competing for financial grants to scale up their ventures and drive sustainable growth and impact. The SCWIT programme is part of the broader global initiative Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, which is aimed at tackling gender inequality by promoting greater economic inclusion.

Since its launch in Ghana in November 2020, 54 female owned businesses across various sectors have benefited from the incubator. 15 of these businesses have received grants of $10,000 (Ghana Cedi equivalent) each to scale up their businesses.

This year’s programme includes an increase from five to six top finalists who will receive US$10,000 in Ghana Cedi equivalent equity-free grant each, to scale up or kickstart their technology enabled businesses.

The eligibility criteria for the prospective enterprises are as follows:

Female ownership of not less than 50% stake or equity in the business.
Business should have been operation for at least 12 months.
Business should have been founded by a Ghanaian and registered and operating in Ghana.
Business should be developing an innovative and scalable tech-enabled or sustainability inclined product.
Business should be able to demonstrate its technology’s sustainable impact from the social, economic, or environmental perspectives.

Commenting on this year’s programme, Mansa Nettey, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC stated “We remain committed to advancing economic and social development sustainably and equitably, our purpose revolves around propelling commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity. The SC WIT incubator is dedicated to empowering women-led start-ups, by providing indispensable resources and the support needed to propel female owned businesses to unprecedented heights”.

Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director, Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, also said, ‘The Standard Chartered Women in Technology business incubator is focused on breaking down gender barriers to opportunity, whilst empowering emerging female business leaders to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.  Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre is a proud partner with Standard Chartered for the programme, offering women entrepreneurs with technological and sustainability innovation the skills development, mentorship and business support they need to realise their start-up dreams’.

Interested candidates can apply online at http://scwomenintechgh.com/apply/ until 29th February 2024.

In the realm of environmental entrepreneurship, Fibre Wealth stands as a trailblazer pioneering the conversion of coconut waste into Cocopeat —a remarkable growth medium that replaces conventional soil for crop and vegetable cultivation. Co-founder George Edu Annan attributes their success to a pivotal collaboration with the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) as it helped address quality and standardization issues, as well as human resource, and organizational structure challenges that once hindered their growth and client engagement.

Since aligning forces with GCIC, Fibre Wealth has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, propelled by visionary support from the incubation program and a comprehensive suite of services that have empowered the company to flourish.

Masterclasses led by subject matter experts, covering design thinking, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and commercial acumen, augmented their industry knowledge and business acumen. Access to the Coursera e-learning platform, enabled them to complete specialized courses in macroeconomics, recruiting strategy, and business growth strategy; effectively addressing HR as well as administration and file management challenges. A dedicated portfolio manager provided invaluable mentorship, guiding the enterprise across various facets of their business to drive efficiency and inspire growth. This support extended to the implementation of proper accounting systems and the development of master templates for documenting all processes, formalizing employee contracts, and articulating a clear vision, mission, and niche.

At the end of their collaboration with GCIC, Fibre Wealth successfully secured a grant to boost technology and product development, reinforcing their innovative concepts.

The outcomes were transformative. Fibre Wealth streamlined its organizational structures, optimized documentation processes, and established an in-house testing laboratory that reduced product testing times from an average of 21 days to just one day. This directly translates to timely servicing of client orders with guaranteed quality and reputation. Discussions are underway for the laboratory to serve as an external testing facility for the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), extending its impact beyond the company.

By addressing quality concerns, Fibre Wealth not only regained lost clients but also reinstated trust in its offerings. Operational improvements led to increased efficiency, reduced waste, higher revenue, and expanded employment opportunities, with the staff size growing from 16 workers to 25, marking a remarkable 56.25% increase, with workspace constraints being the only limiting factor.

Deeply committed to sustainability, Fibre Wealth manages waste effectively, using coconut waste as a raw material, implementing pollution and flood control measures in the process. Poised to make a significant difference in the green business sector, the enterprise contributes to environmental preservation, driving positive change as they navigate towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

GCIC’s strategic interventions have transformed Fibre Wealth into a thriving green business, fostering growth and generating positive impact on the surrounding community. As Fibre Wealth looks ahead, they are dedicated to upholding stringent product quality standards and adhering to industry benchmarks.

 

In the heart of the agricultural sector, Farmio is reshaping the landscape with innovative, technology-driven solutions for individuals seeking sustainable and profitable ventures in agriculture. This unique fusion of technology and agriculture empowers clients to fully harness the potential of their investments. Farmio’s wide array of services encompasses smart and efficient farm tools, automation, marketing and market connections, trained personnel, and on-demand agronomy support.

Prior to joining forces with the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) on its transformation journey, Farmio encountered significant challenges. Commercial sustainability was a major hurdle, and their manual service delivery approach hindered scalability and limited their focus on high-value services, thus restricting revenue growth.

The collaboration between GCIC and Farmio has proven to be a game-changer, propelling the company toward sustainability and profitability. Through a comprehensive suite of interventions, Farmio has undergone a remarkable transformation. Anaporka Adazabra, the team lead at Farmio, credits GCIC for playing a pivotal role in this journey. She highlights the impact of masterclasses and various courses on the Coursera learning management platform, which equipped Farmio with a profound understanding of the building blocks of nurturing and growing a sustainable business, which they effectively integrated into their operations. According to Farmio, the foundational knowledge of business management and strategy, including business case planning for mitigating the risks of climate change, were strongly complemented by the financial management and operational support provided by their portfolio manager.

Additionally, the significance of the grant assistance extended by GCIC towards setting off Farmio to commercial success was also acknowledged. Farmio has been strategic with allocating and leveraging the grant support  across three crucial areas: the development of a super app, acquisition of the FDA Packhouse Certification, and the establishment of an in-house workshop.

With the Super App, Farmio ventured into the technological domain by digitizing specific revenue streams through proprietary software solutions, resulting in streamlined operations and a 30% increase in overall efficiency. The establishment of an in-house workshop also culminated in  prudent fiscal management, reducing costly outsourcing of fabrication processes, and increasing profit margins from 29% to an impressive 34% over the nine-month incubation period.

Fundraising assistance has positioned Farmio favourably for articulating their innovative business model to potential investors, and they are advanced with closing a variety of deals with a number of investors to give life to their strategic expansion drive. It is envisaged that the FDA Packhouse Certification will anchor the above by paving the way for expanded international market participation. The company has conserved up to 50% more water compared to traditional farming practices and improved food security for 5,000 smallholder households, mitigating climate-induced food scarcity.

As Farmio continues its growth trajectory, it is poised to secure more funding opportunities and expand into additional local and international markets, with current off-taker agreements in place to facilitate this expansion. The company’s evolution from manual and unsustainable operation, to a technology-enabled and profitable enterprise is testament to the immense value provided by GCIC’s diverse range of services.

Nestled in the heart of Kumasi, Ghana, Jacgk Trust Enterprise, led by Mrs. Gloria Johnson, stands a beacon of sustainability, specializing in the crafting of environmentally friendly cook stoves that efficiently burn fuel while reducing emissions. Despite experiencing growth in some areas, Jacgk Trust faced challenges, particularly in effective bookkeeping arising out of the organizational structure and the lack of essential commercial equipment such as a pug mill and a potter’s wheel needed to produce clay liners for their cookstoves, crucial elements for their expansion.

The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) therefore stepped forward to provide invaluable support to Jacgk Trust. This assistance included fortifying the organization’s structure and supplying the necessary equipment vital for the company’s growth. Thanks to GCIC’s unwavering support, Jacgk Trust not only achieved expanded its operations but also achieved sustainable growth, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly practices.

GCIC’s dedicated portfolio management services prompted a re-evaluation of Jacgk Trust’s business model. This reassessment involved a comprehensive SWOT analysis, helping to identify crucial short and medium-term goals for the company’s progress.

Furthermore, GCIC facilitated the hiring of a consultant accountant who played a significant role in developing financial Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and implementing efficient bookkeeping practices, ensuring the sound financial management of the business operations.

During the initial two quarters of its incubation period, Jacgk Trust witnessed a remarkable surge in sales, with a 150% boost in Q1 and an 80% rise in Q2 compared to their baseline figures. Concurrently, they effectively reduced carbon emissions by over 327,037.50 metric tons, equivalent to the annual emissions of 208,304 Ghanaians. Beyond these impressive figures, they made a tangible impact on their community by providing employment to approximately 345 individuals during specific periods, contributing to job opportunities and financial stability.

The grant provided by GCIC became a strategic investment in invested in essential equipment, including a pug mill and a hydraulic potter’s wheel, significantly enhancing production capabilities by almost 100%. This empowered them to meet market demands more efficiently while maintaining their commitment to environmental friendliness and sustainability. This increase in production capacity also resulted in a corresponding increase in carbon emissions sequestered.

Looking ahead, Jacgk Trust Enterprise has ambitions to expand its reach and impact through increased partnerships and the establishment of multiple production locations to cater to diverse markets. Their strategy includes transitioning from order-based to mass production, improving efficiency, and meeting growing demand more effectively. Additionally, they aim to invest in a dedicated truck for seamless and timely distribution, further strengthening their supply chain.

With Jacgk Trust’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, combined with the strategic interventions provided by GCIC, the enterprise is well-positioned for continued growth and a lasting positive impact on both local communities and the global environment.

The Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC) had the privilege of hosting a group of Canadian MPs on October 6, 2023 at its offices in Accra. GCIC is a pioneering business incubator funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and dedicated to nurturing sustainable enterprises and climate-responsive Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. 

The distinguished guests included: Richard Cannings – Federal MP, NDP, British Columbia, Hon. Randy Weekes – Provincial MP, Saskatchewan, Jeremy LeBlanc – Federal MP, Hon. Derek Bennett – Newfoundland/Labrador (Formerly the Provincial Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Municipalities in August 2020). 

The Canadian MPs were in Accra, Ghana, as part of the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held from September 30 to October 6, 2023 under the theme ‘Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,’ which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter. 

 The purpose of their visit to GCIC was to engage the team and a handful of entrepreneurs directly, to learn more about our efforts to develop profitable, locally appropriate solutions in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the focus areas of climate-smart agriculture, domestic waste management, and renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

The Centre was honored to have representatives from Global Affairs Canada present, including Shauna Flanagan, Sarah Kalisa, as well as Kathleen Flynn-Dapaah, Chargé of High Commission of Canada, who joined the discussions and shared valuable insights. 

The meeting was enriched by the presence of some of the inspiring green entrepreneurs from GCIC, who are driving positive change in Ghana’s climate and sustainability landscape. These entrepreneurs included Shaq Express, Aydens, Fibre Wealth, and Kawa Moka. 

 It is key to note that across its climate finance commitment, Canada will ensure that 80% of projects integrate gender equality considerations, in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy and that the GCIC project aligns with Canada’s $5.3 billion international climate finance commitment. 

Written by Anne Sackey

Marketing & Communications Director – GCIC

According to the African Development Bank, the worldwide textile and fashion industry, in particular fast fashion production, accounts for 10% of all carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater, making fashion a key contributor to global warming. The industry is the second-largest industrial polluter after the oil and gas industry. According to the United Nations Fashion Alliance (2021), 215 trillion litres of water is consumed annually by the industry – and textiles account for approximately 9% of annual microplastic losses to the ocean. Data on the impact of global and indigenous African textile and fashion industries on climate change in Africa, including Ghana, is very limited.  However, a study by the Takoradi Technical University, Ghana, titled “Fabric Waste Dimensions in Selected Suburbs of the Kumasi Metropolis”, has outlined some of the perils of the textile and fashion industry in Ghana. The report suggests that fabric cut-offs are often disposed into gutters, burnt to cause air pollution, buried, or thrown into refuse dumps as landfills. 

Motivated by a pioneering spirit and knowledge of the industry adversities on society and climate, the Ghanaian fashion legend, Christie Brown, decided to become the trailblazer of sustainable fashion in Ghana, joining the likes of Tongoro, a Senegalese fashion brand by Sara Diouf, which is touted as an eco-conscious fashion brand.  Christie Brown’s journey started with a decision to be a member of the 6th cohort of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC). The primary objective was to acquire the necessary knowhow to enable a rethink of its processes and operations to incorporate sustainability practices through concrete and intentional steps. In addition to the climate capacity strengthening, Christie Brown also secured grant funding from GCIC with which it commenced the process of re-configuring its production factory into a climate smart building with the goal of reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint. The renowned fashion house is also installing state of the art textile processing and design equipment such as the iDigit pattern making tool, to among others, enhance precision and accuracy of pattern making, improve speed, reduce waste, and put outstanding professionalism within reach. With these interventions, Christie Brown’s impact now transcends the commercial and the social interests of profit-making and job creation, to being responsive to the global climate emergency. During the 9-months incubation programme, Christie Brown increased its revenues by almost 250% which underscores the significant growth potential of the enterprise. 

Founded in 2008, Christie Brown was built on the legacy of the founder’s (Aisha Ayensu) grandmother, a Ghanaian seamstress with no label of her own. Christie Brown is inspired by the countless artisans and visionaries that came up before it. Their ingenuity and pioneering spirit are at the core of what continues to inspire Christie Brown today. 

The brand reimagines and interprets traditional artisanal techniques and incorporates them into modern silhouettes, specifically women’s apparel and accessories with pieces that range from beautiful bespoke gowns, practical yet statement pieces to innovative accessories all inspired by the African culture and art, fusing the colors and culture of Ghana for the contemporary African woman. 

Christie Brown has chalked key milestones since its inception including winning the Emerging Designer of the Year Award in 2009 at the Arise Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg, the only Ghanaian label showcased at the Arise L’Afrique-A-Porter in Paris Fashion Week in March 2010, being featured in publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Italia, Canoe 53 and Glamour Magazine and her clients include Beyonce.  The brand was handpicked to exhibit at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Africa Fashion’ exhibition which took place during summer 2023 in London, UK, and she exhibited alongside other designers such as mane Ayissi, IAMISIGO, Moshions, Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumal. 

Christie Brown’s journey has been a tapestry of remarkable achievements since its inception. It’s a tale woven with threads of creativity and recognition that have set it apart on the global fashion stage. 

In 2009, Christie Brown emerged as the “Emerging Designer of the Year” at the prestigious Arise Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg, a testament to her burgeoning talent and unique vision. A defining moment that paved the way for even greater triumphs. 

In March 2010, the world took notice as Christie Brown became the sole Ghanaian label to grace the runways of Arise L’Afrique-A-Porter during Paris Fashion Week. Her designs walked down the catwalks of the City of Light, capturing the essence of Ghana’s rich culture and heritage. 

Her creations have graced the pages of illustrious publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Italia, Canoe 53, and Glamour Magazine and among her notable clientele, the luminary Beyoncé herself has been captivated by the allure of Christie Brown’s designs, a testament to their global appeal. 

But perhaps the crowning jewel in this tapestry of success was the brand’s invitation to participate in the esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Africa Fashion’ exhibition in London, UK, during the summer of 2023. This prestigious showcase placed Christie Brown alongside other luminaries of African fashion, including mane Ayissi, IAMISIGO, Moshions, Thebe Magugu, and Sindiso Khumalo.  

In every stitch, in every thread, Christie Brown weaves a story of innovation, cultural pride, and global recognition that continues to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide. 

References

• https://unfashionalliance.org/
• Towards a sustainable textile and fashion industry in Africa. (2019) African Development Bank. https://blogs.afdb.org/industrialisation-and-trade-corner/towards-sustainable-textile-and-fashion-industry-africa-212
• United Nations Fashion Alliance. Sustainable Fashion hard talk at the UN-high level Political forum. https://unfashionalliance.org
•  https://www.itfpgh.com/journal/fabric-waste-dimensions-selected-suburbs-kumasi-metropolis-ghana
•  https://gabrielfariasiribarren.com/en/2020-circular-fashion-system-commitment

On the 15th of June 2023, the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre’s (GCIC) annual thought leadership symposium, “Incubating Climate Innovation (ICI) 2023,” brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, policy makers, donors and financial institutions to discuss issues of green, sustainable finance and its policy underpinnings. The theme for the symposium was “Building a Green Economy in Ghana: Policy, Partnership, and Finance” and examined whether the existing financial models, products, and impact investment approaches in Ghana could facilitate the transition to a robust low-carbon economy.

Several key recommendations emerging from the symposium, included the following:

• Policy as a Driving Force: The symposium emphasized the pivotal role of policy in promoting the adoption of sustainable finance.
• Education as a Foundation: Recognizing the challenges such as limited capital availability, insufficient capacity and resources, and lack of awareness, the importance of education was underscored as the initial step in addressing sustainable finance in Africa.
• Financial Institutions’ Responsibility: Financial institutions were urged to move beyond profit maximization and shareholder returns by considering the environmental and societal value of projects and businesses.
• Renewable Energy Promotion: To expedite the transition to a low-carbon economy, it was highlighted that affordable energy should be enhanced through the utilization of renewable energy sources.

Following the symposium, the GCIC organized an ICI post-event deep dive and working lunch on August 31, 2023, aimed at sustaining the momentum generated during the symposium, foster connections, and explore potential collaborations between GCIC, panelists, and speakers from ICI 2023.  The meeting also enabled participants to delve into the shared interests, values, and goals , allowing them to build upon the ideas presented during the symposium.

Guests at the event included Valerie Labi, CEO & Co-Founder of WAWU; Naa Atswei Koney, ESG Lawyer at Deloitte; Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of GCIC, representatives from EY Ghana and GCIC’s professional staff.

During the post-event deep dive and working lunch, discussions centered on recognizing opportunities, acknowledging challenges, harnessing expertise, negotiating policy hurdles, and addressing funding challenges within the climate innovation domain. Ruka Sanusi, the Executive Director of GCIC, emphatically stated, “There are key collaborations and partnerships to be

forged with some of you.” Her words underscored the importance of forging strategic collaborations and partnerships with the participants to advance the cause of climate innovation.

Valerie Labi, the CEO and Co-founder of WAWU, brought to light some of the key hurdles faced by entrepreneurs in the climate innovation space. She emphasized the ongoing struggle to access and harness expertise in this field and underscored the persistent funding challenges that significantly impede the progress of climate innovation projects in Ghana. These financial obstacles in turn affect the development of innovative solutions

The ICI post-event deep dive highlighted the real-life challenges of innovative business but also enabled the participants to share innovative ways of addressing challenges around policy and financing. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration amongst entrepreneurs, venture capitalist, policy think tanks and other industry experts. As these collaborative activities are repeated, we anticipate the emergence of more innovative solutions and impactful projects in the collective fight against climate change.

“In my line of work, you need to speak to people to stock your products. And I realized that some of these people I encounter, look at me as a woman not a business owner and because of that they are quick to say no before listening to me.”

These were the words of Juliet Agyapomah Larbi, the Founder of Mpampa Cereals, and a cohort 8 entrepreneur of the GCIC Business Incubator. Juliet made this statement during a Women Entrepreneurship Transformation Programme (WETP) Masterclass, which was exclusively organized for female entrepreneurs within the GCIC’s 8th cohort.

The WETP is an integral part of the business incubation services provided by GCIC, specifically tailored to address the need for gender-sensitive business advisory services and to empower women in the business sector.

Ruka Sanusi, the Executive Director of GCIC led the masterclass and explained the significance of gender barriers to financing in the marketplace, citing that empirical data, including GCIC’s findings, indicate that businesses led by men generally outperform those led by women. This is attributed to men’s more transactional approach in business dealings compared to women’s more transformative approach, where there is usually a more medium to long term outlook in business performance – a marathon as opposed to a sprint.

The room’s diverse entrepreneurs, whose businesses ranged from sustainable menstrual product production to local cereals and cosmetic products, all shared stories demonstrating how personal motivations and passion inspired their enterprises and acknowledged the unique challenges women face when it comes to obtaining financing.

Priscilla Akoto-Bamfo, the founder of Shepherd’s Rice Mill and a former banker, disclosed her struggles in securing equity financing due to biases against women. She shared, “People often question my credibility, doubting if I truly own a rice mill, especially given that it’s an industry dominated by men.”

Shobita, the founder of Legendary Foods, also revealed the discomfort she sometimes feels as a woman advocating for herself in business settings. She emphasized her commitment to combating this discomfort by entering investment rooms armed with her undeniable credibility.

Ruka encouraged the group to adopt intentional approaches to securing financing. She emphasized the need to recognize endogenous factors acting as gender barriers to financing, as well as exogenous barriers such as currency fluctuations, market access, inflation, government policy, and supply chain considerations, among others.

To conclude the session, the entrepreneurs were provided with the opportunity to present their business strategies to the room and to receive valuable feedback to further improve them.

This gender masterclass is the first of a series of female focused masterclasses that cohort 8 will participate in, designed by GCIC to ensure that male and female led climate-smart SMEs within the business incubator can actively, fairly, and equitably participate in the business sector.