Ghana stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, with agribusiness poised to be a key driver of transformation. Recently, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs and 2SCALE convened the Impact Drivers Seminar, a gathering focused on embedding equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity into the nation’s agricultural sector. The central theme? That inclusive business models are not just beneficial, but absolutely essential to unlocking Ghana’s vast economic potential and uplifting livelihoods. This approach, prioritizing people and planet alongside profit, is gaining traction as the future of agribusiness in Ghana.

The seminar underscored that a fundamental shift is required in how Ghanaian businesses approach agriculture, moving beyond purely profit-driven motives to embrace models that create value for all stakeholders. The goal is to foster an environment where economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

Sherif Ghali, President of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, is a vocal proponent of this shift. He emphasizes the need for Ghanaian indigenous businesses to adopt inclusive and sustainable models. As he stated, the aim is to promote “the inclusive business model out there and start looking at how Ghanaian indigenous businesses can adopt the model to be able to reach out.” Ghali stresses that “your impact will drive your returns,” a mantra that encapsulates the seminar’s core message: prioritize societal benefit, and financial success will follow.

The Impact Drivers Seminar served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and forge collaborations aimed at building equitable business ecosystems within Ghana’s agribusiness sector. By bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development practitioners, the seminar facilitated a vital dialogue on how to create a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural economy.

Jail Zakaria, Country Team Leader for 2SCALE, urges the Ghanaian government to take a proactive role in institutionalizing inclusive business practices as a national standard. Zakaria argues that doing so would not only support vulnerable communities but also significantly enhance the nation’s food security. “Given that Ghana is shifting towards the golden age of business, it is important for us either as governments or as development practitioners to begin to include inclusive business criteria in how we engage business,” Zakaria stated.

This call to action suggests integrating inclusive business as a core criterion in government policies. For example, when considering policies like the proposed 24-hour economic policy, the potential impact on vulnerable populations and the environment should be a central consideration. By prioritizing inclusivity, the government can ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society.

Ghanaian businesses can embrace inclusive models by focusing on several key strategies. This includes prioritizing business models that directly support vulnerable communities at the base of the economic pyramid. It also means adopting an impact-driven approach, where social and environmental considerations are given equal weight alongside financial returns. Furthermore, Ghanaian businesses should seek out collaboration and partnerships, working with other stakeholders to build equitable business ecosystems, as exemplified by the partnership between the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs and 2SCALE.

The Impact Drivers Seminar highlighted the urgent need for continued collaboration and innovation within Ghana’s agribusiness sector. Inclusivity is not merely a buzzword but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. By embracing this principle, Ghana can unlock its full potential as an agricultural powerhouse, creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

Inclusive business models are not simply a matter of corporate social responsibility; they are a fundamental requirement for sustainable growth in Ghana’s agribusiness sector. The emphasis on impact-driven business practices represents a significant step towards a more equitable and prosperous future. By prioritizing inclusivity, Ghana can unlock its full economic potential and improve the livelihoods of its people, securing its place as a leader in African agribusiness.