The Young Africa Innovates (YAI) programme has officially commenced with a project inception meeting aimed at introducing the initiative to key stakeholders and charting a course for the mapping of young innovators, especially those in rural communities with atypical skills.

The YAI programme, implemented by International Needs Ghana (INGH) and funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), will be operational in all 18 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the Volta Region.

The primary objective of the YAI programme, as articulated by Mr Cromwell Awadey, the Executive Director of International Needs Ghana, is to establish a robust and scalable ecosystem designed to identify, nurture, and scale youth-led innovative solutions in the Volta region.

Mr Awadey emphasized that the programme seeks to promote inclusive innovation, particularly among the youth who are often marginalized from traditional innovation initiatives, including women, individuals in rural communities, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The YAI initiative is a result of a strategic partnership between the UNDP and the MasterCard Foundation, with a focus on empowering young people, especially the marginalized and overlooked, to address development challenges within their communities and across the country. "Our goal is to create an inclusive and repeatable process for fostering atypical actors," said Mr Awadey. "This approach is essential for unlocking novel solutions and generating job opportunities on a large scale."

A unique aspect of the YAI programme is its commitment to gender mainstreaming, with a target of ensuring that 70% of all innovations are led by women. This goal will be pursued through deliberate efforts, including collaboration with women's groups and professional networks, ensuring young women have equal opportunities as their male counterparts to develop innovative solutions, unlock job opportunities, and address structural gender inequalities.

Stakeholder Support for YAI and Policy Integration

During the launch event, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, delivered a welcome address emphasizing the region's commitment to supporting innovative initiatives like YAI. He highlighted the dissemination of the National Transport Policy (NTP) 2020 and the National Electric Vehicle Policy as critical frameworks that align with the goals of the YAI program.

The NTP 2020 aims to improve road safety, enhance public transportation, promote non-motorized transport, and encourage private sector participation. Meanwhile, the National Electric Vehicle Policy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, supporting local manufacturing, and stimulating economic growth. Dr. Letsa reiterated his commitment to the successful implementation of these policies in the Volta region, with a collaborative approach involving local authorities, private sector operators, and communities.

About International Needs Ghana

International Needs Ghana (INGH) is a Christian development organization that began operations in Ghana in 1984 and was officially registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in October 1987. INGH is dedicated to transforming lives and communities through partnerships guided by Christian values and a commitment to holistic development. The organization's integrated thematic approach focuses on child rights, education, health, gender and empowerment, and Christian witness.

As part of a global partnership operating in over 30 countries, INGH has impacted 21 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies across five regions in Ghana. Headquartered in Accra, with operational offices in Winneba and Adidome, INGH continues to champion community development and empowerment through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives like the YAI program.

The YAI program represents a significant step forward in harnessing the untapped potential of young innovators in Ghana’s Volta Region, fostering an environment where inclusive and scalable solutions can thrive. With the backing of key stakeholders and a focus on inclusive development, the program promises to drive meaningful change and unlock new opportunities for the youth of the region.