Africa Center For Business Incubation

27/03/2026

Ghana Hosts Thrilling Inaugural WorldSkills Agriculture Competition
Ejura, Ghana –

In a spectacular display of skill and innovation, Ghana’s first-ever WorldSkills Agriculture Competition has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of inspiration and a clear message: the future of agriculture in Ghana is in capable hands. The three-day event, held from March 23-25, 2026, at the Ejura Agricultural College and Mechanisation Center, brought together eight talented competitors from six institutions, all vying for top honors in the world of agribusiness and vegetable production.

The competition was fierce, with participants putting their skills to the test in areas such as soil testing, raised bed construction, irrigation technology, and transplanting. The air was electric as the competitors worked tirelessly, their hands moving with precision as they nurtured seedlings, adjusted soil pH, and fine-tuned irrigation systems.

"We saw innovation in irrigation and pest management – that’s what’ll take Ghana forward," said Richard Antwi, one of the expert judges. "The future of Ghana’s agriculture looks bright with such talent," added Theophilus Soku, Team Lead.

And the results were a testament to the competitors’ hard work. Ejura Agricultural College took the top spot with an impressive 45.2 marks, followed closely by Kwadaso Agric College and Wenchi Agric College, who took silver and bronze, respectively.

But it wasn’t just about the winners – every participant walked away with valuable experience and a certificate of participation. The top three competitors, however, received achievement certificates, cash prizes (Ghc 525), laptops, Wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, and helmets.

For many of the competitors, the event was a game-changer. "This was intense! I learned so much about precision farming," said Mumuni from Daboakpa Technical Institute. "The judges were tough, but it pushed me to up my game," added Amevor from USTED.

The competition was organized by CTVET WorldSkills Ghana, with sponsorship from UNESCO BEAR III PROJECT. The event has sparked hope for Ghana’s participation in future global competitions, and there are already plans to make it an annual event.

As Richard Okoampa-Larbi, the country delegate, said, "We’re thrilled with the success of this inaugural competition and look forward to building on this momentum. We call on industry partners to join us in taking Ghana’s agricultural skills development to the next level."

With its success, the WorldSkills Ghana Agriculture Competition has cemented its place in the country’s agricultural calendar, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

By: Dr. Christian Sewordor Mensah (Secretary)
Agriculture sector skills body.

05/03/2026

ACEBI and Yeji Prisons Launch Strategic Partnership to Drive Agribusiness, Skills Training, and Inmate Rehabilitation

The African Centre for Business Incubation (ACEBI) recently played host to Chief Superintendent Harry Hammond, the esteemed Chief Prison Officer of the Yeji ...

05/03/2026

The African Centre for Business Incubation (ACEBI) recently played host to Chief Superintendent Harry Hammond, the esteemed Chief Prison Officer of the Yeji Station, for a landmark visit aimed at fostering collaboration and driving positive change. The fruitful discussions held during the visit centered around key areas of mutual interest, including capacity building, agribusiness, entrepreneurship development, and mindset reengineering, among others.

The partnership between ACEBI and the Yeji Prisons seeks to provide technical assistance to both officers and inmates, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the reformation process and enhance sustainable human capital development through incubation and leadership programs. A key focus area is developing farms and engaging in food production, which will not only make productive use of previously underutilized lands but also contribute to food security and enhanced nutrition in the community.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Yeji Prisons to create opportunities for growth and development," said Dr. Christian Sewordor Mensah, Executive Director of ACEBI and Secretary for the Agriculture Sector Skills Body. "By empowering inmates and officers with skills in agribusiness and food production, we can drive entrepreneurship, improve food availability, and enhance nutrition in local communities."

Chief Superintendent Harry Hammond expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. "We believe that with the right training and support, individuals can change their lives and become productive members of society. We look forward to working with ACEBI to unlock the potential of our officers and inmates."

The partnership is expected to yield tangible benefits, including enhanced skills development, improved employability, and increased entrepreneurship opportunities for inmates and officers. By investing in human capital development and sustainable agriculture, ACEBI and the Yeji Prisons are taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous society.

04/02/2026

LeKMA Assembly Members Receive Capacity-Building Training at Prampram
Prampram, Ghana – January 31, 2026:
The Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LeKMA), in partnership with the African Center for Business Incubation (ACBI), has successfully held a two-day intensive training workshop for Assembly Members and key staff at the Ocean Beach Resort, Prampram, on 29th and 30th January 2026.
The program, facilitated by Dr. Christian Sewordor Mensah, Executive Director of ACBI, was designed to strengthen the capacity of Assembly Members in decentralization, participatory planning, and accountability frameworks. A total of 20 participants, including elected members and senior municipal staff, attended the sessions.
In his opening remarks, the Municipal Coordinating Director emphasized the importance of continuous learning for Assembly Members, noting that effective representation requires both technical knowledge and practical tools to engage citizens meaningfully in governance. He commended the Assembly for prioritizing training as a key step toward improving service delivery and accountability.
Delivering the closing speech, the Municipal Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, expressed his heartfelt satisfaction with the program. He remarked: “This has been my heart’s desire; to see our Assembly Members build their capacity to enable them contribute effectively to the development of their electoral areas and communities. They will strengthen trust, accountability, and inclusive governance by involving and deciding with their communities.”
The Presiding Member, Hon. Samuel K. Tawiah of the Tsuibleoo South Electoral Area, who played a pivotal role in mobilizing Assembly Members for the training, also commended the initiative. He stated: “This program has been a turning point for our Assembly. I am proud of the commitment shown by members, and I believe the skills and knowledge gained here will translate into more inclusive and participatory governance across our municipality.” His remarks underscored the collective effort that made the training a success.
The sessions combined interactive presentations, group discussions, role plays, and case studies. Participants were introduced to practical tools such as participatory budgeting simulations, community scorecards, and stakeholder engagement frameworks. Feedback from attendees highlighted the relevance of the training content and the immediate applicability of the skills gained.
Dr. Mensah reaffirmed ACBI’s commitment to supporting local governance institutions across Ghana, stressing that empowering Assembly Members is critical to sustaining decentralization reforms and ensuring that communities are actively involved in shaping their development priorities.
The successful completion of this training marks a significant milestone for LeKMA in its quest to strengthen institutional capacity, promote participatory governance, and deliver responsive development outcomes for its citizens.
Contact Information:
African Center for Business Incubation
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +233 546 245 325

30/10/2025

The African Centre for Business Incubation (ACBI), in partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), successfully conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) session on Environment and Climate Change (ECC) considerations for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and training institutions in Sunyani from October 26th to 30th, 2025. Led by Dr. Christian Sewordor Mensah, the Executive Director of ACBI, and facilitated by Mr. Obed Samah, the ECC Lead/Specialist at WUSC, the five-day training program equipped 26 participants with the knowledge and skills to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability principles into their organizations.

The training aimed to build the capacity of facilitators from SMEs and training institutions to train their respective organizations' staff, faculty, or members on ECC considerations. These trained facilitators will serve as green ambassadors, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices across various sectors. The initiative is part of the ACTIVATE project implemented by WUSC, which focuses on mainstreaming environment and climate change considerations into existing short courses. The training is aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum implemented by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

During the training, Dr. Mensah emphasized that this initiative is a movement to protect the future of the next generation and encouraged all stakeholders to get involved. The training will be replicated nationwide, underscoring the project's commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. By building the capacity of facilitators and institutions, the ACTIVATE project is poised to make a lasting impact on Ghana's development trajectory.

The partnership between ACBI and WUSC demonstrates their shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and environmental sustainability in Ghana. Through initiatives like the ACTIVATE project, they aim to create a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy.

07/10/2025

ICESDA 2025 is not only loaded with inspirational and thought-provoking presentations but also loaded with five (5) high impact panel discussions from seasoned experts. Panel 1 will devote efforts to discuss the topic *"Accelerating Progress: Efforts towards Achieving Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)"* Visit https://icesda.greencommunitiesgh.com/registration to register or Call +233 (0) 243 555 882/+233 (0) 546245325/+233 (0) 244664741

07/07/2025

Join the movement

06/07/2025

Corporate Governance in SMEs and Family Businesses in Africa: The Quiet Revolution Powering Sustainable Enterprise
By: Christian Sewordor Mensah, PhD.

It begins, as many African stories do, with a family. A father, once a subsistence farmer in northern Ghana, builds a modest agribusiness over two decades. His children, educated in Accra and Kumasi, return with dreams of scaling the enterprise into a regional powerhouse. But as the patriarch ages, tensions rise. Who will lead? How will decisions be made? What happens when tradition meets ambition?
This is not an isolated tale. Across Africa, family-owned businesses and SMEs form the economic bedrock, employing millions, feeding cities, and driving innovation. Yet, beneath their dynamism lies a fragile foundation: the absence of structured corporate governance.
The Unseen Backbone of Africa’s Economy
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses account for over 90% of businesses and more than 60% of employment in many African countries. From agro-processing cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire to textile workshops in Ethiopia, they are the pulse of local economies. But their informality, while once a strength, is becoming a liability in a rapidly globalizing world.
Many of these enterprises operate without boards, succession plans, or financial transparency. Decisions are made around kitchen tables, not boardrooms. Records are kept in notebooks, not cloud systems. And when founders exit, through retirement, illness, or death—many businesses falter, unable to navigate the transition.
Why Governance Matters Now More governance is often Than Ever
Corporate misunderstood as a luxury for large corporations. But in reality, it is a survival tool—especially for SMEs and family enterprises. Good governance provides:
• Strategic clarity: Clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes reduce internal conflict and improve agility.
• Investor confidence: Transparent operations and financial discipline attract capital and partnerships.
• Sustainability: Governance structures ensure continuity beyond the founder’s vision or lifespan.
• Scalability: Formal systems enable businesses to expand across regions and borders.
In the absence of governance, businesses become vulnerable to internal disputes, regulatory penalties, and market shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare these vulnerabilities, with many informal enterprises unable to access relief due to lack of documentation or registration.
The Cultural Complexity of Governance in Africa
Implementing governance in African SMEs is not merely a technical challenge, it is a cultural negotiation. Family businesses often intertwine kinship, tradition, and community obligations. Introducing formal boards or external audits can be seen as intrusive or mistrustful.
Yet, change is happening. In Kenya, family constitutions are gaining traction, documents that blend traditional values with modern governance principles. In Nigeria, SMEs are adopting advisory boards composed of respected elders and industry experts. In Ghana, institutions like the Centre for Corporate Governance are training entrepreneurs in ethical leadership and compliance.
These innovations are not about importing Western models wholesale. They are about crafting governance frameworks that are culturally resonant, contextually relevant, and economically empowering.
Ghana’s Governance Awakening
Ghana offers a compelling case study. With a vibrant SME sector and a growing middle class, the country is at a governance crossroads. The Registrar-General’s Department has streamlined business registration, while the Ghana Enterprises Agency is promoting formalization and capacity building.
In the agriculture sector, family-owned agribusinesses are beginning to adopt governance practices that blend traditional leadership with modern accountability. Some are forming cooperatives with elected boards. Others are digitizing their operations to improve transparency and traceability, critical for export markets and ESG compliance.
These shifts align with broader national and continental goals, including Ghana’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (CPESDP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
ICESDA 2025: A Platform for Governance Transformation
The International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Skills Development, and Agribusiness (ICESDA) 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment. As Africa reimagines its development trajectory post-pandemic, ICESDA offers a platform to elevate governance as a cornerstone of enterprise sustainability.
Through keynote sessions, policy dialogues, and case study showcases, ICESDA can:
• Illuminate successful governance models in SMEs and family businesses
• Facilitate cross-border learning and harmonization of governance codes
• Promote ESG-aligned practices that attract sustainable investment
• Inspire youth and women entrepreneurs to embed governance from the start
More importantly, ICESDA can shift the narrative, from governance as bureaucracy to governance as empowerment.
The Road Ahead: From Informality to Institutional Strength
To institutionalize governance in Africa’s SME and family business landscape, a multi-pronged approach is needed:
1. Education and awareness: Embed governance principles in TVET, business schools, and entrepreneurship programs.
2. Incentivization: Offer tax breaks, procurement preferences, or access to finance for businesses that adopt governance frameworks.
3. Mentorship and peer learning: Create networks where seasoned entrepreneurs mentor emerging ones on governance.
4. Localization of standards: Develop sector-specific governance codes that reflect local realities and values.
5. Policy coherence: Align national policies with regional and continental frameworks to create an enabling environment.
Conclusion: A Legacy Worth Building
Corporate governance is not about control, it is about continuity. It is the bridge between a founder’s dream and a founder’s dream and a generational legacy. For family businesses, it is the difference between fleeting success and enduring impact.
As we look toward ICESDA 2025, let us champion governance not as a foreign imposition, but as an African innovation. Let us tell the stories of businesses that thrived because they dared to structure. And let us build an enterprise ecosystem where sustainability is not the exception, but the norm.
Because in the quiet revolution of governance lies the future of African enterprise.

You can register for ICESDA 2025 through the following official platforms:
Official Registration Links:
• KNUST Events Portal: ICESDA 2025 Registration & Event Details
• eGotickets (for ticketing and local access): ICESDA Conference on eGotickets
• 10Times Conference Listing: ICESDA 2025 on 10Times
Event Details:
• Dates: October 23–24, 2025
• Venue: GIMPA Executive Conference Center, Accra, Ghana
• Theme: Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa

04/07/2025

Global Collaborations and Knowledge Sharing: A Narrative for Africa’s Sustainable Future

I often reflect on a simple truth: knowledge, when shared, becomes power multiplied. In my journey advocating for ESG integration and sustainable development across Africa, I’ve witnessed how the right partnerships, rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose—can transform not just institutions, but entire communities.
One model that continues to inspire me is the work of Purdue University and the SAWBO (Scientific Animations Without Borders) initiative. What began as a modest effort to translate expert knowledge into animated videos has grown into a global movement. These animations, available in over 280 language variants, have reached millions, from farmers in Kenya to health workers in Bangladesh. In Benin, I learned of farmers who, after watching a SAWBO video on neem-based pest control, adopted the practice and saw their yields improve dramatically. No expensive consultants. No complex manuals. Just accessible, visual knowledge, delivered in a language they understood.
This is the power of global collaboration and knowledge sharing. It’s not about one side giving and the other receiving. It’s about co-creation. It’s about recognizing that innovation doesn’t only reside in Silicon Valley or Geneva, it thrives in the cocoa farms of Ghana, the tech hubs of Nairobi, and the classrooms of Accra.
Africa is brimming with potential. We have the youngest population in the world, vast natural resources, and a growing appetite for innovation. Yet, too many of our youth feel compelled to migrate, not out of choice, but out of necessity. They leave behind families, communities, and dreams, chasing opportunities that should exist right here at home.
What if we could change that narrative?
What if, through strategic global partnerships, we could equip our youth with the skills to thrive in green economies? What if we could connect our farmers to climate-smart technologies, our entrepreneurs to global markets, and our institutions to cutting-edge ESG frameworks?
This is the vision behind ICESDA 2025, the International Conference on Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa. Together with Green Communities International, KNUST, GIMPA, and SIGA, we are building a platform where ideas meet action. A space where policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, and development partners can come together—not just to talk, but to build.
At ICESDA, we will explore how ESG principles can be embedded in public institutions. We’ll spotlight youth-led innovations in agriculture, construction, and tourism. We’ll examine how indigenous knowledge systems can inform modern sustainability practices. And we’ll ask the hard questions: How do we ensure that knowledge doesn’t just sit in reports, but reaches the people who need it most?
To get there, we must be bold. We must invest in digital learning platforms that transcend borders and literacy barriers. We must foster South-South collaborations that celebrate African ingenuity. And we must ensure that every partnership, whether with a university in the U.S. or a startup in Kigali, is grounded in equity and shared value.
Africa’s future will not be built in isolation. It will be built through collaboration, through the deliberate, strategic sharing of knowledge, tools, and hope. As we prepare for ICESDA 2025, I invite all who believe in this vision to join us. Let us reimagine what’s possible. Let us build a continent where migration is a choice, not a necessity. Where jobs are created not by chance, but by design. And where sustainability is not a slogan, but a lived reality.
Because when we share knowledge, we don’t just inform, we empower. And when we collaborate, we don’t just connect, we transform.
As I travel across Ghana and engage with stakeholders, from local farmers in Oyibi to policymakers in Accra. I’m reminded that the solutions we seek are often already within reach. What’s missing is not ingenuity, but infrastructure. Not ambition, but access. And this is where global knowledge partnerships become not just helpful, but essential.
Take, for instance, the young agripreneur in Tamale who has developed a low-cost irrigation system using recycled materials. Or the women’s cooperative in the Volta Region that’s turning cassava waste into biodegradable packaging. These are not isolated success stories, they are signals of a continent ready to lead. But without platforms to share these innovations, without networks to scale them, their impact remains local when it could be continental.
This is why I believe so deeply in the power of knowledge ecosystems. Imagine a digital hub where a student in Kumasi can access ESG training developed in partnership with Purdue University. Where a policymaker in Nairobi can learn from Ghana’s experience integrating sustainability into public procurement. Where a startup in Lagos can collaborate with researchers in Cape Town to co-develop climate-resilient technologies. This is not a dream, it is a blueprint for transformation.
But to realize this vision, we must also confront the structural barriers that limit knowledge flow. Language, digital access, institutional silos, these are not minor inconveniences; they are systemic challenges that require systemic solutions. That’s why at ICESDA 2025, we are not just convening a conference, we are cultivating a movement. A movement to democratize knowledge. To localize global insights. To ensure that every young African, regardless of geography or background, can participate in shaping the future.
And let us be clear: this is not about charity. It is about shared destiny. The climate crisis, economic volatility, and social inequality are not confined by borders. When Africa thrives, the world benefits. When we invest in African innovation, we invest in global resilience.
I often say that sustainability is not a destination, it is a discipline. It requires us to think long-term, to act collectively, and to lead with humility. It challenges us to listen more than we speak, to learn as much as we teach. And above all, it calls us to build bridges, between sectors, between nations, between generations.
As we look ahead to ICESDA 2025, I am filled with cautious optimism. Not because the challenges are small, they are not. But because I have seen what is possible when we come together with purpose. I have seen how a simple animation can change farming practices. How a conversation can spark a partnership. How a shared vision can ignite a movement.
So let us move forward, not as isolated actors, but as a united force for good. Let us invest in the power of knowledge, the promise of collaboration, and the potential of every African to lead. Because the future we want is not only possible, it is already being built, one shared idea at a time.
And it begins with us.
You can register for ICESDA 2025 through the following official platforms:
Official Registration Links:
• KNUST Events Portal: ICESDA 2025 Registration & Event Details
• eGotickets (for ticketing and local access): ICESDA Conference on eGotickets
• 10Times Conference Listing: ICESDA 2025 on 10Times
Event Details:
• Dates: October 23–24, 2025
• Venue: GIMPA Executive Conference Center, Accra, Ghana
• Theme: Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa

19/04/2025

Agricultural Sector Skills Body Partners MAPHLIX LTD To Revolutionize Skills Development In Ghana’s Agriculture Industry

The Agricultural Sector Skills Body (ASSB) has taken a significant step towards enhancing skills development in Ghana's agriculture industry by pa ...