Young entrepreneurs have been urged to use digital platforms and social commerce to start and grow businesses without the high costs associated with physical infrastructure.

Regional Consultant for Ignite Social Enterprise Limited, Paul Elikem Dovi, gave the advice during a panel discussion at the UPSA 1000 and Ghana Entrepreneurship Conference 2026 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Speaking on the topic, “What Does It Take to Build a Successful Business in Ghana?”, Mr Dovi said the digital era had created opportunities for entrepreneurs to operate businesses with relatively low start-up costs.

He said young people did not necessarily need large bank facilities, warehouses or ideal market conditions to start viable businesses.

Instead, he encouraged them to explore social e-commerce, digital retail and relationship-driven direct selling.

“You don’t need a warehouse when you have a smartphone, genuine relationships, and a problem worth solving,” he told the audience.

Mr Dovi said while technology and business platforms could provide an entry point, sustainable success depended on the entrepreneur’s character, commitment and ability to solve real problems.

He said Ignite Social Enterprise’s model sought to make business ownership more accessible by using social e-commerce to connect entrepreneurs with wellness and lifestyle products.

The five-day conference, which began on Monday, September 14, forms part of the UPSA 1000 Enterprise Development Programme.

Ignite Social Enterprise Limited was established in January 2026 and operates a social e-commerce model aimed at supporting micro-entrepreneurs.