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Three female agribusiness students and aspiring agripreneurs emerged winners of cash prizes at this year’s 6th Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue bootcamp (AG-STUD Africa), organized by Agrihouse Foundation.
Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, 24, of Adidome Farm Institute, won the maiden Agromonti Ultimate Prize Pitch, while Grace Idani of Central University and Angela Afia Pokuaa of University of Cape-coast, both won for the Nanam Ventures Ultimate Prize Pitch.
Nine (9) final year agribusiness students who participated in the 5-day bootcamp competed for the Ultimate Prize Pitch. The Ultimate Prize Pitch was designed as part of final day activities, to allow the aspiring agripreneurs demonstrate how they were each going to develop, grow and sustain their business ideas, within a period of two years.
After a tightly contested session, six (6) judges adjudged Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, the overall winner of the Prize Pitch, declaring the ideas and initiatives she plans to put in place to grow and sustain her agribusiness, as most practical and smart.
In partnership with Agrihouse Foundation, Agromonti will set-up a state-of-the-art input dealer business, estimated at thirty-five thousand Ghana cedis (35,000 ghc) for Charlotte in Adidome, her community of residence.
Nanam Ventures, awarded Grace and Angela two thousand Ghana cedis (2000 GHC) and a thousand Ghana cedis (1000 GHC), respectively, as seed capitals to enable them kick start their agribusiness projects.
While extending congratulations to all the participants, the Managing Director of Agromonti, Mr. Benjeamin Offei, reiterated the organizations commitment to support and fuel the vision of young Ghanaians who aspire to building careers in the agric sector. He said Agromonti would work closely with Agrihouse Foundation, to monitor and provide Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo with the needed support, to ensure her growth in the sector.
“By this, we are contributing to empowering the next generation of Agriprinuers, whiles contributing to the Government’s agenda of establishing Input Dealer businesses across the country, for convenience and accessibility of Farmers,” Mr. Offei added.
Mr. Sadat, a representative of Nanam Ventures, also noted that it was inspiring and very significant to see female agribusiness students win top awards in a contest, focused within the agricultural sector. While praising Agrihouse Foundation for the initiative and, he pledged Nanam Ventures commitment toward upcoming editions of the bootcamp.
For her part, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa said, in its 6th edition, on the theme, “5 years of Grooming, Training and Empowerment- Where we are now with our Agribusiness,” AG-STUD Bootcamp, has grown to become a leading interventional initiative, enabling Agri-youths, beginner Agribusinesses and start-ups, to develop their business ideas, into bankable and profitable Agribusiness.
She said, in past five (5) years, the annual Bootcamp has supported about 1,250 beneficiaries to develop their ideas into businesses, supported Agribusiness companies, to recruit smart and fresh graduates and contributed a drive and mindset development of young people, while exposing them to career paths and opportunities within the Agribusiness value chain.
She noted that, the partnership with Agromonti, to set-up an Input Dealer Business in any region, for the ultimate winner of the Challenge is a huge milestone and a significant boost in building strategic career path young agribusiness professionals, straight after school.
This milestone, she added will also contribute strongly to the Government’s efforts over the years, in making quality input and resources more accessible, by ensuring that, there is an Input Dealer establishment in every districts.
She praised the three young women for winning the top prizes of the 5-day bootcamp, and encouraged to focus on pursuing the dreams with the support they are have been handed. While extending gratitude to Agromonti and Nanam Ventures for investing in the aspirations of the young agripreneurs, she said, Agrihouse Foundation is also committed to empowering more young people to realize their agri-futures, through the AG-STUD Bootcamp.
This year, the 5-day bootcamp welcomed about 125 students from Agric Colleges, farm institutes and universities, across the country. Throughout the 5-days, the beneficiaries were engaged with practical learnings in diverse fields, led by mentors, trainers and coaches, drawn from different industries. They participated in a number of intensive pitching and presentation sessions, field trips, drills and other mind-engaging activities.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Deputy Minister for food and Agriculture, Hon. Yaw Frimpong-Addom, who served as keynote Speaker. Other dignitaries were, the 2022 National Best Farmer, Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe; the Managing Director of LK International, Madam Nora Goa, and Mr. Ebenezer Acheampong, Senior Elder of the Church of Pentecost (Ghana).
Participating institutions included, Adidome Agric College, Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Ejura Agricultural College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Farm Institute, Ohawu Agric College, and Fair River Agric Institute, Veterinary College, and Animal Health Production and college. 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, and the University of Energy & Natural Resources, Central University.
The bootcamp made room for daily non-campers; agric students drawn from selected cycle institutions, including, Labone Senior High School, Accra Academy Senior High School, and O Reilly Senior High School. The rest are Ashaiman Senior High School, Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School, and Chemu Senior High School.
The bootcamp was supported by Agronomoti Ghana Limited, Holland Akokor, Cocoa Processing Company, Nanaam Ventures, B-diet, Kofi Venyo Ventures, WAF Agro, FDA, Dizengoff Ghana Limited, Agric Development Bank (ADB). It was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG).
