Central University has claimed victory at the highly competitive Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Development Bootcamp (AG-STUD Africa 2025) Agribusiness Challenge, emerging as the top institution among 18 contenders from agricultural colleges and tertiary institutions nationwide.
The competition, held on May 9, 2025, formed a key part of the AG-STUD Africa bootcamp, organised by the Agrihouse Foundation. It provided a platform for young agricultural minds to pitch innovative agribusiness ideas before a distinguished panel of judges, including Mr. Ibrahim Kwame Asante, Deputy CEO of CSIR – Technology Transfer and Entrepreneur Centre, and Mr. Dominic Donkor, Managing Partner and Technical Director of Agromonti Company Limited.
Central University’s winning pitch stood out for its creativity, feasibility, and potential to transform Ghana’s agribusiness landscape, securing them the coveted top spot in the fiercely contested challenge.
Themed “Our Voices Matter: We Hold the Agrifood Future,” this year’s bootcamp aimed to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders through practical training, mentorship, and funding support. In addition to the agribusiness challenge, the week-long event included health and mental wellness drills, business presentations, and an input dealer deal pitch, reflecting a comprehensive approach to preparing students for careers in agriculture.
Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, highlighted the impact of the bootcamp, noting that over 3,200 students have benefited from the programme, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agribusiness growth in Ghana.
“This initiative bridges gaps in the agricultural value chain, encouraging youth to see opportunities beyond just farming,” she said, adding that this year’s emphasis on female participation aligns with national efforts to strengthen agriculture through youth engagement.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Joseph Boateng, Lead of the Filma Programme at the MasterCard Foundation, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that their Young Africa Work strategy aims to create three million dignified work opportunities by 2030, with 70% of these roles expected to go to young women.
“Agriculture in Ghana is more than just an industry – it’s a vital lifeline and a pathway to prosperity, particularly for young women,” Mr. Boateng stated, underscoring the critical role of agriculture in the country’s economic future.
With this victory, Central University has not only demonstrated its leadership in agribusiness innovation but also set a high bar for other institutions in the sector, as Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for agritech and sustainable agriculture in Africa.
