Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of the Agrihouse Foundation, has been invited by the Government of Italy to speak virtual at a high-level side event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).
The event, titled “The Digital Flagship with Africa: Building Partnerships and Financing for Digital Transformation,” is co-convened by the Government of Italy (lead), with UNDP as technical partner, with Egypt, Kenya, and Mozambique as co-sponsors.
This landmark gathering places Africa at the heart of the global digital dialogue, recognizing the continent’s immense potential. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the region is at a pivotal crossroads poised to lead in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) era. Beyond enhancing service delivery, digital transformation is seen as a powerful driver of innovation, business growth, and inclusive economic development.
The event reflects a bold new model of international collaboration, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Enrico Mattei, whose vision of equitable cooperation laid the foundation for the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan. Through this vision, Italy and its partners aim to build mutually beneficial, forward-looking partnerships with African nations and the private sector to accelerate sustainable progress.
Invited to bring a grassroots and community-centered voice to the global stage, Ms. Akosa is recognized for her pioneering work in Ghana’s agricultural sector particularly with farmers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Under her leadership, she has led initiatives that has impacted over 700,000 farmers, introduced agribusiness innovations across Ghana’s 16 regions, and inspired new opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities through training, mentorship programs and market access.
“Africa’s future is digital but it must be inclusive,” said Ms. Akosa. “We need partnerships and investments that reach people at the grassroots especially our farmers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. They are the backbone of our continent.”
Her achievements have earned her global recognition, including the 2024 Agri-food Prize and the Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador Award. Through Agrihouse Foundation projects such as the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forum, Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference, and Gold in the Soil Awards, she has created long-term opportunities for farmers, startups, and value chain actors, while championing people-centered innovation.
Her presence underscores Ghana’s role in shaping Africa’s digital future one rooted in local knowledge, regional cooperation, and human-centered innovation.
