The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Nutrition and Sustainable Agrifood Systems Collaborative (Nkabom) project to tackle youth unemployment in the nutrition and agri-food sector.

Speaking at the inception meeting, Professor William Otoo Ellis, the project’s Principal Investigator, emphasized the importance of collaboration.

"This project bridges the gap between education and employment, equipping young people with essential skills for the agri-food industries," he stated.

The project's education component, led by Dr. Abena Boakye, focuses on training and skill-building.

"We aim to create a sustainable education system that links theory with practice, producing workplace-ready graduates," Dr. Boakye said.

Universities like KNUST, Ashesi University, University of Ghana, and McGill University will collaborate to provide training programs, with a focus on equity for women, differently-abled individuals, and displaced youth.

Professor Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, leading the entrepreneurship pillar, outlined the project's goal to support young entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector.

"We want to make agriculture and food production attractive to youth by providing mentorship, funding, and business support," he noted.

Speaking on behalf of the KNUST Vice-Chancellor, the Provost of the College of Arts and Built Environment, Prof. John Bugri, expressed hope that the project will become a beacon of success in shaping Ghana’s workforce and advancing sustainable food systems.

The Nkabom Project is built on partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, industry players, and NGOs.

This collaboration aims to create skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, contributing to the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy of creating 30 million jobs by 2030.

The project includes seven academic institutions, including KNUST, Ashesi University, University of Ghana, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, University for Environment and Sustainable Development, and McGill University.

Non-academic partners include government, industry, and NGOs like the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI).