Kumasi, Ghana — The Green African Youth Organization (GAYO) is strengthening youth-led climate entrepreneurship in Ghana through its 2nd Developing Youth Ecopreneur Conference, currently underway at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.
The four-day conference, running from May 13th to 17th, 2026, has brought together more than 600 young people from across Africa to explore innovative climate solutions, entrepreneurship opportunities, and sustainable business models within the green economy.
Speaking at the event, Climate Director of GAYO, Barki Saladen Ibrahim, underscored the importance of empowering young people in the informal sector to develop climate-smart enterprises capable of creating jobs and attracting investment.
“We’re not just building ideas; we’re building bankable innovations that can attract investment and create jobs,” he stated.
According to her, GAYO has been working closely with young people in local communities by providing platforms, resources, mentorship, and skills training to strengthen their work in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, recycling, upcycling, and environmental innovation.
The conference features masterclasses, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and panel discussions involving policymakers, climate experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials. A ministerial keynote address is also expected as part of efforts to deepen policy engagement around youth-led green entrepreneurship.
Mrs. Ibrahim noted that GAYO is working to change perceptions surrounding the informal sector by positioning it as a viable pathway for sustainable employment and climate action.
“We’re building a system for young people to create what suits them and make the informal sector attractive,” he said.
She emphasised that sectors such as agriculture and waste management continue to play a major role in job creation across Africa and should be leveraged to drive sustainability and economic transformation.
The conference also seeks to promote cross-border collaboration, learning, and cultural exchange among young climate innovators from different African countries.
GAYO described the government as a critical stakeholder in advancing youth ecopreneurship and called for stronger collaboration to create an enabling environment for climate-focused businesses and green innovation.
Organisers say the initiative forms part of broader efforts to equip young Africans with the tools needed to transform climate challenges into economic opportunities while advancing sustainable development across the continent.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
