CAMFED Ghana, as part of its support for entrepreneurs, recently provided 100 young women entrepreneurs with start-up kits and specialist equipment to enable them to launch or grow their businesses in 2021. As global events continue to impact economies in Africa and around the world, business ventures provide a means for school graduates to support themselves, their families, and communities by creating jobs and prosperity.
“Working with our partners, CAMFED is focused on unlocking resources and creating an enabling environment, so that young women are on a steady footing to meet the personal and economic challenges that lie ahead.” – Sally Ofori-Yeboah, National Director, CAMFED Ghana.
The presentation event took place concurrently at the Dakpema Chief Palace and Sagnarigu Chief Palace on Tuesday, May 18, and was attended by traditional leaders, CAMFED partners, entrepreneurs, training providers and mentors. The initiative is part of Young Africa Works, the Mastercard Foundation’s strategy to enable 30 million young Africans to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. At the end of December 2020, CAMFED Ghana had supported 2,000 young women under the business start-up scheme, and a further 1,080 young women had been supported with business growth.
CAMFED’s program titled “Women leading for jobs and prosperity in Ghana” comprises of six components to be implemented over a three-year period. The components of CAMFED’s program are: Learner Guide program and bursaries; Transition program; TVET program; Business start-up program; Business growth program; and Co-operatives/rural sales networks.
Following the latest call for proposals, CAMFED, through the District Business Committee (DBC) members in Tamale Metro and Sagnarigu Municipal, assessed the business needs of the entrepreneurs and awarded kits and equipment to the successful applicants based on their individual requirements. The items distributed included industrial sewing machines, knitting machines, weaving machines, baking ovens, refrigerators and hair dryers. The young women have also been provided with training in business management, packaging and branding, business registration, and bookkeeping.
Zainab Yussif, a business growth entrepreneur was happy with the support she received and stated, “I produce local drinks for sale. With the refrigerator I received from CAMFED, I will be able to produce in larger quantities and employ young women to sell for a commission”.
In 2021, 10,200 young women comprising 1,200 TVET, 6,000 business start-up and 3,000 existing business beneficiaries will be supported with training, stat-up kits, and equipment to enable them start, sustain and grow their business.
CAMFED has seen the immense return on investment of supporting young women to transition from school into secure livelihoods, as they provide employment and mentorship for others, and use their resources to send more girls to school. Although many business owners have been facing additional hardship due to the pandemic, those specialising in preserving food, sewing masks, and manufacturing soap, for example, have been able to supply essential items at affordable prices to local community members, as well as donate to those most in need, in a collective effort to weather the storm.
Source: CAMFED Ghana
