UGBS Nest Leads Residential Training to Advance Youth-Led Agrifood Entrepreneurship under UG Nkabom

The UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub has successfully delivered a three-day Residential Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop as part of the Entrepreneurship Pillar of the Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana. The intensive training, held from 16th to 18th February 2026 at AH Hotel & Conference in Accra, marked a significant milestone in preparing institutional partners to implement the Community Networking & Roadshow (CNR) across Ghana.

The workshop formed a central component of UG Nkabom’s broader strategy to transform Ghana’s agri-food system by empowering young people with the knowledge, networks, and practical tools required to build viable agrifood enterprises. Under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities in the Food Systems for Youth-Led Agribusiness,” the training aligned participating institutions with the Collaborative’s vision of a food system driven by innovation, inclusion, and youth leadership. It also reinforced the mission of connecting communities of expertise with young people to inspire meaningful participation across sustainable agri-food and nutrition value chains.

The Residential ToT brought together 49 participants, including strong female representation with 21 women in attendance, from eleven THINK Member institutions across the country. These institutions included Cape Coast Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, Accra Technical University, Ho Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, University of Development Studies, University of Education, Winneba, University of Professional Studies, Accra, University of Cape Coast, University of Health and Allied Sciences, and the University of Ghana. Representatives from these institutions will serve as trainers and ecosystem connectors, facilitating campus-level engagements and mentoring young applicants as part of the CNR implementation.

Over the course of three days, the workshop moved participants from conceptual grounding to practical deployment. The first day focused on building a shared understanding of Ghana’s food systems as a dynamic opportunity space that extends beyond primary production into logistics, processing, manufacturing, marketing, and export. Discussions emphasized the strategic alignment between THINK Members and the Nkabom vision, clarified roles and accountability structures, and highlighted the importance of consistent messaging and measurable impact. Participants reflected on their personal commitment to youth development within the agrifood ecosystem and examined how their institutions could contribute meaningfully to inclusive transformation.

The second day concentrated on strengthening facilitation capabilities and deepening understanding of youth engagement. Participants explored how to create inclusive, youth-centered learning environments that respond to generational dynamics, particularly the motivations and learning styles of Gen Z. Practical sessions examined accessibility considerations, strategies for managing hybrid engagements, and approaches for shifting from traditional lecturing to participatory facilitation. A recurring message throughout the day underscored that inclusion must be treated as a strategic rather than a charitable endeavor, reinforcing the Collaborative’s commitment to reaching underserved groups and ensuring equitable access to opportunity. Another powerful sentiment that resonated strongly with participants challenged long-standing stereotypes, emphasizing that agriculture is not only for older generations but represents a vibrant and innovative space for young entrepreneurs.

The final day of the workshop focused on execution and consistency in delivery. THINK Members engaged in guided practice using the standardized CNR manual, applied structured problem-framing and ideation tools, and participated in mock hybrid simulations that integrated both physical and virtual facilitation components. Clear expectations were established around identifying and selecting at least twenty high-potential youth per campus for the Residential Bootcamp scheduled for May 2026. Participants also committed to adhering to Nkabom’s delivery non-negotiables, including manual alignment, inclusive facilitation, time discipline, and robust reporting.

By the end of the Residential ToT, participants demonstrated a strengthened understanding of youth entry points within Ghana’s food systems and gained practical tools to guide young people in identifying real market problems and developing viable agribusiness concepts. They enhanced their facilitation skills, improved their confidence in delivering interactive hybrid sessions, and aligned around a standardized participant selection framework to ensure quality and accountability across campuses. Equally important, the workshop fostered stronger peer networks among THINK Members, laying the foundation for sustained collaboration and ecosystem support beyond the immediate CNR activities.

As the Entrepreneurship Pillar lead under UG Nkabom, UGBS Nest continues to play a pivotal role in bridging academia, industry, and communities to unlock youth-driven innovation in the agrifood sector. The successful completion of the Residential Training of Trainers signals the transition from planning to nationwide implementation, as THINK Member institutions now prepare to roll out the Community Networking & Roadshow on their campuses and in surrounding communities.

Through structured mentorship, enterprise development support, and collaborative engagement, the Nkabom Collaborative is steadily building a pipeline of young agrifood entrepreneurs equipped not only with ideas but with the skills, networks, and confidence to transform Ghana’s food system into one that is more nutritious, sustainable, and resilient.