The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) distinguishes itself from other business incubators in many ways. These include its focus on green and greening climate-smart businesses; a conscious quest for equal representation by male and female entrepreneurs; and gender-focused “Inclusive Masculinity” workshops for men, and “Women Entrepreneurs Transformation Programme” for women, which empower participants to overcome gender-based limitations and thrive in both their personal and business spheres. Also setting GCIC apart is its signature annual symposium, Incubating Climate Innovation (ICI), which convenes thought leaders, stakeholders, change makers, alumni and others to showcase the extraordinary work of the organization and its climate entrepreneurs, and also serves as an opportunity to learn about challenges, trends, and innovations in the space.

 

This year’s Incubating Climate Innovation conference, held on 12^th June, was particularly notable for a number of reasons. It highlighted the institution’s considerable impact since inception on job creation, increased turnovers and profitability, contributions to carbon sequestration, personal growth and fulfilment of entrepreneurs, and showed how instrumental the meticulous collection and use of data has been to the process. The day’s topics, speakers, and discussions combined to make this an über-masterclass, and a particular treat for women. The subject matter was relevant for all, but what the almost all-female cast of speakers had to say went to the heart of what female entrepreneurs can and should be doing to scale to greater heights and also shed light on the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act 2024, a major milestone in the drive towards a more gender equal society in Ghana.

 

Two very relatable case studies on the importance of systematic gathering and use of data, and the value of collaboration in reaching scale, were exciting because of the simplicity, and irrefutable truth of what was shared. GCIC’s culture of systematic data gathering, evidence-backed storytelling, and its successful collaboration with organisations and funders served as the case to drive the point home.

 

Some of the lessons distilled from both case studies are:

• Data is valuable and should be tracked intentionally and consistently.
• Passion alone does not make for a good story without qualitative and quantitative data to compare past and present performance, and what they indicate about the future.
• Keeping track of data gives you a better grasp of business progress and allows you to plan and make informed business decisions.
• Data makes your business pitch stronger and helps you to make a convincing case to investors.
• Collaboration can bring together skillsets, ideas, and networks to make a business investor ready.
• The teamwork in a collaboration leads to higher standards of business discipline and governance that are vital for accessing opportunities and attracting the right investors.
• Going it alone in business can only take you so far.

 

Lively discussions by two panels explored important issues, some of which are familiar and have been written about in earlier gender stories. For example, issues emerged related to female self-sabotage or self-disqualification, and although in one speaker’s words, “women are honest brokers” and known to be trustworthy, they hold themselves back from leadership positions including serving on boards of directors. This is further reflected in the concentration of women in fields such as administration and human resources (HR), whilst leadership positions like Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) are predominantly occupied by men. Some of the reasons given relate to the relative absence of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the problem starts from school, where these subjects are unpopular with most girls and no concerted effort is made to remedy this. UNESCO, cited in a research paper[1] on the absence of girls in STEM  in Ghana, lists the following as contributing to this:

 

• Gender stereotyping leading to sociocultural beliefs about girls’ inability to study STEM;
• Inadequate citizens’ awareness of the importance of STEM;
• Unfriendly and gender insensitive teaching methodologies.
• Absence of clear policy guidelines on gender in the education sector;
• Lack of capacity in terms of funding and competent staff by the gender and science units of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to play their mandated roles effectively, and
• Limited intersectoral collaboration among the various government ministries and agencies in the promotion of girls’ education.

 

Carbon financing emerged in the discussion as an opportunity that is not adequately exploited by SMEs, including women, due to a lack of awareness and the complexity surrounding of the current processes. The result of this is that it is mostly accessed by  established and often, foreign firms that are sophisticated enough to navigate the steps involved.

 

Another point that was made involved women pitching for smaller amounts of finance than men and it was suggested that they should be more audacious and aim as high as their male counterparts.

 

The Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act 2024 was explained by an Advocate who was instrumental in having it passed as a law. The Act aims to achieve gender equality in decision making by 2030 and encompasses several important aspects of women’s rights and safety that are now enshrined in law and can change the course of women’s lives and outcomes in significant and important ways from birth to adulthood. The Act aims to ensure gender equality in the political, social, economic, educational, and cultural spheres in Ghana[2]. Under the Affirmative Action Act, abuse of women, even verbal, becomes an offence punishable by law. This has the potential to be a turning point for gender-based violence and abuse which can sometimes be swept under the carpet of tradition and custom.

 

In summary, Incubating Climate Innovation (ICI) 2025 covered major themes that had a familiar ring to them because they are part of the constant struggle that we try to overcome as women. Some of those that have previously been touched on in this gender slot include self-limiting attitudes and behaviours of women, the dangers of excluding ourselves from STEM, looking for alternative forms of financing such as climate funding, and generally preparing and positioning ourselves and our businesses to shine brighter.

 

All who were present, and all that was showcased, discussed and shared seemed to reflect GCIC’s vision, values, influence, and excellence over the years. In addition to everything else, this felt like a fitting ‘parting gift’ and tribute to Rukayatu Sanusi who has nurtured the institution, her team, and the entrepreneurs with true heart but for whom this was the last Incubating Climate Innovation as CEO.

[1]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332912955_From_Studentship_to_Academia_The_Academic_Female_STEM_Trajectory_in_Ghana

[2] https://theconversation.com/victory-for-womens-rights-in-ghana-as-affirmative-action-law-is-passed-what-must-happen-next-237080?utm_medium=article_clipboard_share&utm_source=theconversation.com