The MasterCard Foundation is urging the government to create accessible opportunities in deprived regions to help startup businesses grow.

Ghana Tech Lab in partnership with MasterCard Foundation, collaborating with 13 tech hubs across the country launched Ghana's Startup Ecosystem Platform website. The Platform gives a comprehensive overview and details of the startup scenes in 11 regional cities and at the national level.

Speaking at the event, a Program Partner and Digital Economist at the MasterCard Foundation, Chirag Shamdasani told Joy Business, local businesses must be supported to thrive in their communities.

“It’s about equitable access to opportunities. So young people should be given the support they require to grow and thrive at where they are… not necessarily having to come to Accra or Kumasi or do things… that they don’t enjoy previously in their hometowns.”

“So these hubs are there, these organisations are there that support young people. So we need to very importantly support local systems to generate opportunities for young people, so they can use it to thrive and grow.”

The Ghana Tech Lab takes simple ideas and turns them into big startups.

Its goal is to become the platform for digital innovations in Africa and beyond.

Its unique programmes and curriculum are designed to make your idea a product/solution that addresses a situation in the society.

They inspire innovation, creativity and ideation.