The UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce Grand Challenge Programme, an initiative aimed at driving innovation in Ghana’s agricultural and energy sectors, concluded its latest event at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

The programme, designed to identify, support, and scale innovative solutions, has become a vital platform for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to tackle the nation’s most pressing sectoral challenges.

This year’s edition of the programme attracted a diverse group of participants from across the country, each presenting unique ideas to address challenges within the agricultural and energy landscapes.

The Grand Challenge operates on a structured innovation methodology, beginning with the presentation of challenge statements followed by a series of competitions and capacity-building activities.

Participants were provided with targeted support to refine their solutions and bring them closer to implementation.

Worlase Afatsiawo is Head of external relations at the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce she says “we want to unearth innovative ideas within the Agriculture and Energy sectors so we want to work with various sector ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture and Energy to bring together entreprenuers who will come up with innovative ideas’, hence the Grand Challenge”.

The primary goals of the programme include fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, government agencies, as well as encouraging innovation that directly addresses the national challenges facing both sectors.

By offering funding opportunities and capacity-building programs, the Grand Challenge ensures that participants can further develop and scale their solutions into impactful, commercially viable projects.

“This initiative is vital not only in nurturing the creative potential of Ghana’s innovators but also in fostering the collaborations needed to bring these ideas to fruition.”

“The Grand Challenge is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term solutions in agriculture and energy.”

Some of the notable ideas presented this year ranged from sustainable agricultural practices designed to increase yields while reducing environmental impact, to renewable energy technologies aimed at improving energy access in rural communities.

The event at KNUST also served as a valuable networking opportunity, with participants connecting with industry experts, investors, and policymakers who provided insights and advice on further developing their projects.

The UKGCC Grand Challenge Programme is proving to be a key driver of positive change in Ghana’s key sectors, and its impact is expected to resonate for years to come.