The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana has marked International Youth Day 2026 with a one-day event focused on youth leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The gathering brought together young entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, private-sector representatives, academics and youth-focused organisations to explore practical ways of advancing youth empowerment and sustainable development in Ghana.
A key focus of the event was how to make agribusiness more attractive and accessible to young people, particularly through greater investment in agri-tech. A 2021 report by Heifer International identified limited access to finance, land, training and technology as major barriers to youth participation in agriculture. In her welcome address, Ms Wendy van Meel, Chargée d’Affaires at the Dutch Embassy, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people, saying: “By investing in youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and partnerships, we are investing in Ghana’s future.” Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, also highlighted opportunities within Ghana’s agribusiness sector and encouraged young people to take advantage of them.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Setor Dumelo
The event featured contributions from agripreneurs including Mr Nii Oblitey Ashong of Farmer Nii, Ms Renne Ross Quartey of Harvest Hill Farms and Salia of Farmitecture, who shared their experiences in the sector. A panel discussion on “Making Agribusiness More Attractive and Accessible to Young People” examined ways to improve access to finance, strengthen entrepreneurship, promote innovation and skills development, and facilitate knowledge transfer. Participants also called for financial institutions and investors to help develop agri-tech into a bankable and scalable industry, while youth-led projects supported by the Dutch Embassy were showcased.
Closing the event, Dr Rens Twijnstra, Head of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, thanked speakers, participating organisations, exhibitors, media partners and young innovators for their contributions. The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that enable young people to thrive and contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Ghana.
