Meet the Innovators and Mentors Driving Change with YIC

Veronica Cobbinah is turning a traditional favorite, hibiscus juice (sobolo) into a thriving tea bag business. This innovative product is not only popular among tea lovers but also supports the local economy and community. Through the Youth Innovation Circles (YIC) project, she received valuable business development support that enabled her to expand and create jobs for 17 young people. 

Ibrahim Mamud, a 29-year-old blind artisan from Sikafremoya in the Ahafo region. He defies all odds as he masterfully weaves tables, chairs, and foldable beds using nylon rope. Despite his visual impairment, Ibrahim has built a thriving business that stands as a testament to his resilience and skill. After completing his basic education, he embraced the craft of weaving, and today, he employs two young assistants to help with sales and operations. Those who meet him are often in awe of how he creates such consistent and vibrant designs, all while navigating life without sight. Ibrahim’s unwavering determination to not only make a living for himself but also to provide meaningful employment opportunities for others sets him apart as an inspiring leader in his community.

Gifty Afetesevi, founder of Bana Up, has created an innovative banana flour that solves the problem of post-harvest losses while offering consumers a highly nutritious option. This flour is not only eco-friendly but also packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for health-conscious people and those with dietary restrictions. Versatile and easy to use in baking, cooking, and smoothies, Bana Up’s banana flour is set to meet the rising demand for sustainable and healthy food options, making it a game-changer in the food industry. As a mentee of the Youth Innovation Circles project, Gifty has not only empowered herself but also created jobs for 3 others.

Francisca Mensah Baidoo is revolutionizing early childhood education in rural areas by integrating STEM-focused learning with engaging extracurricular activities. She provides young learners with hands-on, practical STEM education, ensuring that children in underserved communities gain foundational skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With support from the YIC Project, Francisca has been able to expand her impact, refine her educational model, and scale her operations. Thanks to this support, she has also been able to employ 18 people, creating job opportunities while strengthening the local education ecosystem.

Asana Duada, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from the Ahafo Region, is leveraging organic materials to produce eco-friendly soaps, household cleaning and hair products. With the mentorship support gained through the Youth Innovation Circles (YIC) project, she successfully scaled her business, enhancing production efficiency and market reach. Her expansion has led to the creation of employment opportunities for 34 young individuals, fostering local economic empowerment and demonstrating the impact of innovation-driven entrepreneurship in rural communities.

Christopher Amoah Nyame, a medical doctor and mentee of the Youth Innovation Circles (YIC) project, is saving lives with Medroom, his innovative mobile clinic. Equipped with essential health tools, the mobile clinic brings medical care directly to rural communities, reducing the need for long journeys to healthcare facilities, a significant step towards achieving “Universal Health Coverage 2030.” This is particularly crucial for expectant mothers, who can now receive timely care during labor, significantly reducing mortality rates. Leveraging technology further, Dr. Christopher’s telemedicine app connects patients with medical professionals, ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality medical care. Through YIC’s support, including peer learning sessions, workshops, and technical training. Christopher refined his idea and showcased it at the Ashanti Region Grand Pitch and Demo Day.

Adiata Asare, an innovator in Ashanti Region is transforming financial management for rural entrepreneurs with SmartBooks, a mobile accounting app tailored for small business owners in remote areas. With a simple, user-friendly interface, multilingual support, and offline functionality, SmartBooks ensures that even those with minimal financial literacy can track their income and expenses seamlessly. Integrated with mobile money, it bridges the gap between informal businesses and structured financial management. With the guidance of a mentor during the YIC Project, Adiata successfully launched her app, providing rural entrepreneurs with an essential tool to manage their finances effectively.

Emmanuel Nabila’s entrepreneurial journey in aquaculture began with a compelling idea: a solar-powered aquarium system designed to efficiently drain, distill, and recycle water, significantly minimizing waste. Through the Youth Innovators Circles (YIC), Emmanuel developed his concept, actively engaging in peer learning, attending specialized workshops, and refining his pitch. The mentorship received through YIC was instrumental in transforming his innovative idea into a viable enterprise. As a testament to his progress, Emmanuel has successfully employed 16 individuals, including himself, highlighting the direct job creation impact of this project from idea to a thriving operation.

At just nineteen, Joshua Yeboah is making a remarkable impact in his community by addressing everyday challenges with innovative solutions. After observing the environmental harm and high costs associated with fuel-powered water pumps, particularly for rural farmers, he developed a more sustainable and affordable alternative: the J.Y Solar Water Pump. With mentorship and funding secured through winning the top prize at the YIC Pitch and Demo Day in the Ashanti Region, Joshua successfully transformed his early prototypes into a fully functional solution.

Francis’s innovative mobile app for health monitoring gained traction under the mentorship of John Doe, who guided him in refining his financial strategy and securing funding. Their collaboration showcased the power of YIC’s mentorship programme.