The 2026 Youth Economic Forum (YEF 2026) kicks off today at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), under the theme ‘From Potential to Prosperity: Youth Driving the New Economy’.
Organised by the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) in partnership with Ecobank Ghana, UPSA and Moreshet Foundation, the forum aims to provide a platform for competition, dialogue and training, enabling the youth to showcase ideas while engaging policymakers and industry leaders on the future of the nation’s economy.
Dr. Godwin Acquaye, Chief Executive Officer-Business and Financial Times (B&FT), said this forum reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s youth as active drivers of economic growth.
“We don’t just report on the economy, we believe in helping to build it. Ghana’s future will not be decided only in boardrooms; it will be shaped by the courage, creativity and discipline of our young people. That is why YEF exists,” he said.
Dr. Acquaye emphasised that the country’s youth are an investment, not a burden – noting that while many young people have ideas and energy, they often lack access to mentorship, networks and capital, gaps which YEF aims to address.
The one-day programme will open with a welcome address from Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, followed by remarks from Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana and Dr. Godwin Acquaye. The Guest of Honour, Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer-Youth Employment Agency/Ghana Enterprises Agency (YEA/GEA), will also deliver an address.
The first session, ‘Time with the Max: From Side Hustle to Scalable Business – Lessons from Building Against the Odds’, will feature CEO-Maxwell Investment Group Dr. Maxwell Ampong and be moderated by Juliet Etefe, Online Editor (B&FT), offering insights into turning small ventures into sustainable enterprises.
The forum also includes two masterclasses designed to equip participants with practical skills. Dr. Linda Narh, Lecturer and Coordinator at UPSA, will lead a session on marketing strategies for small businesses while William Danso Abeam, Head of Consumer Products at Ecobank Ghana, will facilitate a masterclass on building financial intelligence and empowering young entrepreneurs through digital banking.
YEF Entrepreneurship Challenge 2026
Another key highlight of YEF 2026 is the Entrepreneurial Challenge Pitch Session, facilitated by Dr. Andrews Ayiku, Senior Lecturer and SME Industry Coach at UPSA.
Five finalists will compete for cash prizes ranging from GH?50,000 for first place, GH?30,000 for second, GH?20,000 for third and GH?15,000 each for fourth and fifth alongside structured mentorship and business support.
Dr. Acquaye urged participants to view the challenge as more than a contest: “The real prize is not the cheque. It is the discipline, exposure, mentorship and networks you gain. Prepare well, execute consistently, and this platform can change the direction of your business and your life”.
The forum will conclude with an awards presentation and closing remarks from a partnering organisation.
With rising pressure to create jobs and expand opportunities, YEF 2026 positions young Ghanaians as active drivers of the country’s emerging economy – encouraging them to move from ideas to enterprise and from ambition to impact.
The post YEF 2026 to propel youth-led innovation for economic growth appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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