Ghana’s economy is expected to see a boost in areas of agriculture, technology and energy as government intensifies moves to support innovators in these areas.
Ghana will host this year’s Innovation Prize Africa Awards (IPA) which seeks to encourage young innovators in the country to come up with solutions to socio economic challenges in the country especially in the area of agriculture.
In an interview with Citi Business News, the Director of Innovation Prize Africa (IPA), Pauline Mujawamariya Koelbl said IPA chose to come to Ghana this year as it believes in the government’s agenda to build the private sector and encourage entrepreneurship.
“Our hope here is that this will be in shape with the President’s readiness for businesses in Africa. Since the President himself will be a part of the event, his support is going to really send a clear message that this government really understands the future of Ghana rising in promoting innovation.”
Meanwhile the CEO of the GIPC, Yoofi Grant who was also at the event launch said he is optimistic the awards will help solve challenges in the area of agriculture which has continued to decline in terms of contribution to GDP growth.
This he believes will eventually attract investors into the country.
“Sustainable solutions; that’s what innovation is all about and constantly reviewing what’s on the ground and I think we have a unique opportunity in Ghana to embrace innovation as a path to becoming the best place for business.”
The Innovation Prize for Africa awards is expected to come off on the 17th and 18th of July this year.
It will be the 6th edition of the awards ceremony and it is under the theme “African Innovation: Investing in Prosperity”.
The IPA 2017 will offer a grand prize of one hundred thousand dollars to the first place winner and 25,000 dollars for the second person.
An amount of 25,000 dollars will also be awarded to the winner of the Social impact category.
There will also be a voucher of 5000 dollars for each of the seven IPA nominees.
Additional incentives include investment opportunities, training and access to vibrant network of innovation enablers, ongoing PR and media coverage.
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By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana