GEA and the Mastercard Foundation Partner To Empower 250,000 Young Ghanaians Through BizBox Program

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2024 / The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

GEA and the Mastercard Foundation announced the start of a sensitization campaign for the groundbreaking Business in a Box (BizBox) program. This initiative aims to empower an additional 250,000 young people in Ghana, expanding on the successful collaboration established through the Young Africa Works Program.

The Young Africa Works Program project, from 2020 to 2022, achieved significant milestones by supporting approximately 94,000 young people, more than double its goal, enabling them to establish businesses or secure dignified and fulfilling jobs. Building on this momentum, the BizBox program aims to support 250,000 young people in accessing dignified and fulfilling jobs over the next four years.

In Amasaman, Greater Accra Region, Gifty Animwaa Owusu, a GEA/Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Program participant, shares her story of transformation from a struggling individual to a successful business owner and mentor.

"When I had no one to turn to for assistance, the GEA/Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Program became my source of hope," recalls Gifty Animwaa Owusu. Her participation in the A2E program and the invaluable Start-up Kit support she received after her training have been pivotal in her journey. Gifty is now a thriving business owner, supporting her family and mentoring young people in her community.

Through this intervention, Gifty has not only achieved financial stability but has also gained respect and dignity. Her success is a testament to the transformative power of giving opportunities to young women. Reflecting on her journey, Gifty acknowledges the impact of the business management training she received, which enabled her to meet the application criteria and successfully receive support through GEA.

Gifty's story is a powerful example of how targeted support and empowerment can lead to meaningful change in individuals and communities. Her journey is a source of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the effectiveness of programs like the GEA/Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Program in driving positive impact.

"The BizBox program aims to enable and empower disadvantaged young people across Ghana, especially young women with first-time business startups, to acquire skills and access to startup kits, markets, finance, and technology to start, build, and grow their businesses. We believe it will improve the well-being and resilience of young entrepreneurs by creating an enabling environment, especially for agriculture and agri-adjacent businesses to thrive and contribute to national development," said Rica Rwigamba, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana.