Boost investment in agri-innovation hubs to drive youth agripreneurship, experts urge

Stakeholders at a research validation workshop have called for increased support and policy attention toward agribusiness innovation hubs, describing them as pivotal drivers of Ghana’s agricultural transformation, youth employment, and inclusive economic growth.

The workshop, held at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), presented findings from a nationwide study assessing the impact of agri-innovation hubs on SME performance and youth agripreneurship.

The research was jointly conducted by SDD-UBIDS and Dr Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), with funding support from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Africa Centre of Technology Studies (ACTS), under the Science Granting Councils (SGC) in Africa initiative.

It evaluated 12 purposively selected agri-innovation hubs across Ghana based on their roles in the agricultural value chain and the target beneficiaries they serve.

Delivering key findings from the study, Professor Abdulai Adams, a Professor of Agriculture and Applied Economics at SDD-UBIDS, emphasized that agri-innovation spaces are limited nationwide, despite their significant potential to enhance job creation and improve SME performance.

“We have seen that 55% of the beneficiaries of these hubs are engaged in agri-processing. This suggests that if we want to amplify the employment and growth potential of agri-innovation hubs, our support and investment should be focused more on agri-processing rather than on direct crop or livestock production,” he stated.

Prof. Adams also highlighted the shift toward ICT-based solutions in agricultural information dissemination.

“Many hubs are now relying on mobile and digital platforms, replacing traditional methods like trader networks and face-to-face extension services. This digital transformation is critical if we aim to empower youth through innovation,” he added.

Quantitative findings from the study revealed a strong positive correlation between hub membership and improved SME performance, reinforcing the role of innovation hubs as catalysts in Ghana’s agro-food sector.

“To catalyze real development in agri-food, we must support these hubs to expand and scale, so they can serve more agribusinesses,” Prof. Adams concluded.

Representing MESTI, Principal Research Officer Wilfred Edem Dennis underscored the strategic importance of the research in informing Ghana’s agri-food industrial policy.

“The primary aim of this project is to generate data-driven evidence on how agribusiness incubation and innovation hubs enhance youth agripreneurship. This aligns directly with our national efforts to modernize agriculture and stimulate inclusive economic growth,” he said.

Mr. Dennis emphasized the importance of youth-centred innovation, stating, “Ghana must fully harness the creativity, energy, and innovation of its youth. Agri-innovation hubs are proving to be critical enablers in this transformation. MESTI is proud to support this inclusive, evidence-based initiative that aligns with the broader science, technology, and innovation policy frameworks.”

In his remarks, Professor Issaka Kanton Osumanu, Pro Vice Chancellor of SDD-UBIDS, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to entrepreneurship-led development. He explained that the institution established a Directorate of Community Outreach and Business Incubation to train students to be self-reliant entrepreneurs.

“We strongly believe that universities must go beyond traditional academic training. Our role now includes equipping students with the skills to start their businesses,” he stated.

“This project fits squarely within our mandate. Through our practical training programs, students engage directly with communities, learn from real-life experiences, and apply those lessons to innovate within the agri-food value chain.”

Prof. Osumanu expressed optimism that the findings of the project would help shape the university’s curriculum and improve student outcomes.

“The impact of this project will not only benefit Ghana’s agri-food sector but will also help us train better entrepreneurs who can transform rural economies,” he said.

The workshop concluded with interactive sessions and stakeholder discussions aimed at validating the research findings and informing future policy directions.