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Agrihouse Foundation is set to host the 8th edition of its flagship youth-focused initiative, the Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD Bootcamp), from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Greater Accra Region.
Focus on the theme “Our Voices Matter: We Hold the Agrifood Future,” this year’s Bootcamp aims to equip the next generation of agrifood leaders with practical agribusiness skills, career mentorship, and strategic leadership training.
Over 300 participants comprising agricultural students, beginner agribusinesses, and young agripreneurs are expected to take part in the week-long agribusiness bootcamping experience which has over the past seven (7) years, grown and demonstrated to be one of the leading mindsets shaping and a career building path for campers.
It has supported to enable and establish over 200 of past campers, into meaningful agribusiness jobs.
It has equally empowered hundreds of young people with the knowledge, exposure, and networks needed to build successful careers in agriculture.
In a statement, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, noted that the Bootcamp continues to serve as a launchpad for youth development in Ghana’s agrifood space.
“At Agrihouse Foundation, we believe the youth are central to transforming Ghana’s food future. That is why we continue to empower them through our annual Bootcamp which has helped many of our alumni build thriving agribusinesses from farms and agro-input centers to agritech start-ups and Agricultural consultancy firms.
This year, we are enhancing the program to offer even deeper practical experiences and direct business development support.”
The 8th edition introduces upgraded components designed to provide real-world insights and actionable outcomes. Notably, the Input Dealer Business Pitch Session will give students the opportunity to present innovative agribusiness ideas for expert evaluation and potential investment.
Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo , from Adidome Farm Institute, who won the Input Dealer pitch in 2023, is presently running a fully set-up Input Dealer shop, set-up for her by Agromonti and Agrihouse Foundation.
Additionally, the Inter-Institutional Business Presentation Challenge has been upgraded to allow teams to pitch market-ready business models before a panel of industry leaders.
Participants will also embark on guided field tours to agribusiness operations across the country, giving them the opportunity to observe, ask questions, and build connections with established entrepreneurs. These tours are designed to demystify agribusiness processes and spark new ideas for localized ventures.
Complementing these experiences, the bootcamp will include focused sessions on career planning, business development, financial literacy, and sustainable agricultural practices. Participants will benefit from one-on-one coaching and mentorship by seasoned industry professionals and corporate partners.
The participants will also experience a full and empowering agenda that includes a day with agricultural input dealers to explore career opportunities, a practical workshop with a poultry farmer to learn firsthand how to start a poultry business, and an educational visit to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to understand the ministry’s structure and operations.
They will also take part in sessions with farmers and agro-processors to better understand value addition, interact with an agricultural banker to explore financing options in agribusiness, and visit a fertilizer blending site to learn more about soil nutrition and localized fertilizer solutions.
“We are deepening the Bootcamp’s impact by aligning more closely with the key players in the agrifood ecosystem input suppliers, financial institutions, agritech experts, and business coaches,” Ms. Akosa added.
“Our goal is to ensure that participants leave not only inspired but also equipped, with an understanding of the sector needs and how they can innovatively offer result-oriented solutions to for our agrifood future.
The AG-STUD Bootcamp continues to be a cornerstone initiative in Ghana’s drive toward youth-led agricultural transformation. By fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership among young people, Agrihouse Foundation is reinforcing the critical role of agriculture in national development, job creation, and food security.
This year’s event promises to raise the bar, even higher as the camping is built around industry specific and structural visits, throughout the 5-day camping.
Participating schools for the 8th AG-STUD Bootcamp includes students, from, Adidome Agric College, Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Agricultural College, Ohawu Agric College, Others Are, Fair River Agric Institute, Veterinary College, Bunso Cocoa College and Kwadaso Agric College.
Students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Methodist University, University of Development Studies, All Nations University, Ghana Christian University College, Central University, University of Agricultural and Environmental studies and Catholic University, others includes students from ,Ho Technical University, Valley View University, University of Education and Ghana Christian University will also be participating in the Bootcamp.
