The Country Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah, has unveiled ambitious initiatives to tackle youth unemployment and promote sustainable development in Ghana.

Delivering the welcome address at the Executive Business & Development Summit 2025 in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, Mr Pinkrah described the gathering as “more than an event; it is a call to action.”

He said the summit’s theme, “From Challenge to Change: Leveraging Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and AI for Sustainable Development,” was timely given the country’s economic realities.

“In Ghana today, youth unemployment stands at nearly 20 per cent, and over 400,000 young people enter the labour market every year with only a fraction finding sustainable work,” he stated. “These realities demand bold ideas, practical solutions, and strong collaborations, exactly what this summit intends to deliver.”

Mr Pinkrah announced the launch of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Award, aimed at identifying and celebrating changemakers across the Commonwealth while providing them with funding and networks.

“When we invest in our youth, when we collaborate across borders, and when we commit to bold, innovative action, we do not only change lives today, we secure the future of generations to come,” he remarked.

He also unveiled two new flagship programmes. The first, Business Umbrella, will partner with the Government of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to help businesses grow and integrate into the national economy.

“I am delighted that we will be working together to ensure that businesses across Ghana have the support they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

The second, BoldStart, will provide mentorship, training, and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and unemployed graduates. Mr Pinkrah stressed, “With BoldStart, we are raising a generation of youth who will be job creators rather than job seekers.”

Reflecting on the journey of the Community and Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (CEDI), which he founded with initial support from the Embassy of Denmark through the BUSAC Fund, Mr Pinkrah said: “What began as a simple dream has today evolved into the Success Hub International Institute.

"Together with Queen’s University, Leadogo Incorporated and the McDan Foundation, we have trained and mentored thousands of entrepreneurs, equipping them to scale their businesses and create jobs for others.”

He acknowledged the power of partnerships in driving change.

“This journey has been possible because we never walk alone. Ghana’s development story is being written with your collaboration, and we remain confident that you will continue to stand with us to make this mission even more impactful,” he said.

The summit, which brought together government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and international partners, was described by Mr Pinkrah as “a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership.”