A bold new initiative to reshape Ghana’s youth employment and entrepreneurship landscape was officially launched last week at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

The I.N.S.P.I.R.E Project (Implementing New Solutions for the Professional Integration of Human Resources in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Ghana) is set to create over 1,620 direct jobs, with 35% reserved for women and persons with disabilities, and to provide renewed momentum for skills development and SME competitiveness across the country.

The project is led by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the E4Impact Foundation, with funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

It is implemented in collaboration with UPSA, CRISP, VIS, and the Don Bosco Youth Network (DBYN) — bringing together academic, public, and private sector actors to collectively address one of Ghana’s most pressing development needs: preparing young people for meaningful economic participation.

Held at the UPSA West-Wing Auditorium, the launch event brought together a dynamic mix of local and international stakeholders, including youth leaders, entrepreneurs, development experts, and government officials. The ceremony was emceed by celebrated broadcaster and entrepreneur Bola Ray, setting a high-energy tone for the event.

In his welcome address, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, described the project as a transformative opportunity for young people and educational institutions alike.

“This is your chance to grow, innovate and contribute to job creation—embrace it!” he urged.

He also announced the establishment of two landmark institutions on UPSA’s campus as part of the initiative:

• The Italian Innovation Centre, a space dedicated to SME training and access to Italian technology
• A Labor Market Observatory, which will provide data and insights to better align education with employment trends

Representing the vision behind E4Impact’s Africa-wide efforts, Prof. Mario Molteni, CEO of the Foundation, reflected on the long-standing partnership between Italy and Ghana.

“We are committed to promoting a new generation of African entrepreneurs who combine economic, social, and environmental performance—creating jobs and inclusive development.”

Echoing this, H.E. Laura Ranalli, Italian Ambassador to Ghana, emphasized that the project is part of a broader and strategic cooperation agenda:

“The core mission of INSPIRE is to strengthen linkages among the TVET sector, academia, and the private sector — to better align skills with labour market needs.”

Emanuela Forcella, the newly appointed Director for AICS in Burkina Faso and Ghana, has outlined the new direction of Italian Cooperation in Ghana. She emphasized the pivotal role of the INSPIRE initiative in empowering young Ghanaians through skills development and the creation of sustainable job opportunities.

The Ghanaian government has also expressed strong alignment with the initiative’s goals. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Environment, highlighted the urgent need to rethink how young people are prepared for the future:

“As a government, we believe the future lies in rethinking how we educate and empower our youth. Programs like INSPIRE reflect our shared belief that entrepreneurship and practical skills development are the keys to unlocking Ghana’s next generation of leaders.”

A speech delivered on behalf of Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, reinforced this message:

“INSPIRE is timely and necessary—it bridges the gap between academic training and real-world experience, giving our youth the tools they need to thrive in Ghana’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.”

Saviour Agortimevor, Country Manager for E4Impact Ghana, added that the project’s strength lies in its holistic approach:

“Our interventions will focus on key sectors such as the agri-food sector, civil construction, hydraulics, welding, IT, and electronics… we aim to simultaneously strengthen both the job supply and demand in these areas.”

Spanning a 36-month period, the project will be implemented across five regions — Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Bono, and Western — and will work through eight vocational training centres to reach thousands of youth and entrepreneurs. It directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 9, and 10, with a focus on decent work, quality education, innovation, and reduced inequality.

The launch of INSPIRE signals more than just a new project — it marks a renewed commitment to collaboration, local ownership, and regional leadership. It positions Ghana not just as a beneficiary of development cooperation, but as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship for West Africa.