B&FT Launches Youth Economic Forum to Empower Ghana’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The Business and Financial Times (B&FT), in partnership with Ecobank Ghana, has officially launched the Youth Economic Forum (YEF), a transformative initiative aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and resources to drive economic growth in Ghana and across Africa.
The forum, unveiled at a ceremony in Accra, targets early-stage businesses and young professionals, offering mentorship, business development, market access, and leadership opportunities. The initiative is poised to amplify youth voices in economic discourse while building a strong foundation for Ghana’s future business leaders.
Empowering Youth for Industrial Transformation
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, CEO of B&FT, emphasized the centrality of youth in Ghana’s development agenda.
“At B&FT, we believe young people must lead Ghana’s industrial and economic transformation. YEF is a strategic step in investing in that future,” Dr. Acquaye remarked.
Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025: GH₵50,000 in Prizes and Year-round Mentorship
A highlight of the forum is the B&FT Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025—an annual flagship competition designed for Ghanaian startups that have been operating for at least one year. The challenge will award prize items worth GH₵50,000 and offer access to exclusive training, media visibility, investor connections, and long-term mentorship.
Applications are open now, with a deadline of 18 August 2025. Finalist interviews are scheduled for early September, and the top five winners will be announced on 8 September 2025.
“The challenge is not just a competition—it’s a pipeline for nurturing and scaling youth-led businesses,” Dr. Acquaye added.
Strategic Partnerships for Long-term Impact
Ecobank Ghana, alongside the YEF Advisory Board and other strategic partners, will provide technical, financial, and mentorship support to sustain the forum’s impact over the coming years.

Finalists will be integrated into a broader support ecosystem that includes continuous coaching, market linkages, and regional networking opportunities.
Contact Information
📨 Email: godwin.acquaye@thebftonline.com
📞 Phone: +233 55 393 4010
👤 Name: Dr. Godwin Acquaye, CEO, Business and Financial Times
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