Skip to content

GIZ Ghana and Ashesi’s Ghana Climate Innovation Center Graduate Second Cohort of Green Entrepreneurs

GIZ Ghana, in partnership with Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC), has graduated the second cohort of its Green Business Competition incubation program. The initiative, implemented under GIZ Ghana’s Support to the Private and Financial Sector in Ghana (PFS), is designed to strengthen green entrepreneurship and drive sustainable job creation.

Over six months, 30 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across Ghana took part in a learning journey combining online courses, in-person masterclasses, tailored technical support, and access to grants of up to €10,000. The program helped businesses strengthen their commercial operations, reduce their carbon footprint, and adopt environmentally friendly production practices.

To date, 59 green and greening MSMEs have been incubated through the program. The first cohort created 104 new jobs in sectors such as waste management, energy efficiency, water management, and climate-smart agriculture, demonstrating how MSMEs can spark economic opportunity while advancing climate resilience.

“Almost everywhere, more than 50% of employment is created through MSMEs, making them essential players in climate action,” shared Christian Jahn, Head of Program for the GIZ PFS, during the ceremony. “However, their ability to adopt sustainable practices is still significantly constrained. What makes this day so special is that out of hundreds of applicants, 30 businesses were not only selected for the second cohort but also equipped with knowledge, coaching, grant funding—and most importantly—with the chance to lead and demonstrate that inclusive green growth is not just a dream but a conscious decision.”

Nabeel Adum-Atta, Director for Partnerships, Entrepreneurship & Investment at GCIC, also emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs.

“MSMEs constitute 70% of Ghana’s GDP,” he explained. “On their own, they may look small, but together, they form a significant economic power. MSMEs should not underestimate their contribution to Ghana’s green economy or the economic empowerment of communities and the country at large.”

Reflecting on the impact of the program on her business, Olivia Kipo, founder of Kobaa-Ok, also added that “the grant from GIZ and GCIC has enabled our customers and smallholder farmers to see the climate-resilient practices our business is implementing. This is encouraging farmers to adopt climate-smart practices on their lands, while our customers are recommending our products to other businesses.”

More News

Want to share a story?

We invite all members of the Ashesi community to share videos, photos, and story ideas. Contact the communications team at: website@ashesi.edu.gh

Activity Calendar

Featured Event: December 3, 2025

Christmas on the Hill
A festive end-of-year celebration featuring activities, music, and community bonding. This event brings together students, faculty, and staff to share in the holiday spirit before the break.