Coalition for Positive Impact Hosts 7th Igniting Dreams Summit in Wa

The Coalition for Positive Impact (CPI) has held the 7th edition of its flagship Igniting Dreams Summit in Wa, bringing together young entrepreneurs, innovators, development actors, and policymakers for an impactful day of empowerment, mentorship and innovation.

Held on July 5, 2025, the event was themed “Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs: Skills for a Genuine World” and provided a space for over 100 youth to explore practical approaches to addressing unemployment and poverty in Northern Ghana through entrepreneurship.

The summit featured business pitch contests, keynote speeches, a panel discussion, and an awards dinner.

Co-founder and Director of Operations at CPI, Mr. Isam Nuhu, described the summit as “one of Northern Ghana’s most powerful platforms for transforming young entrepreneurs and leaders.”

He said CPI, since 2019, has supported over 2,000 youth and created more than 300 opportunities, all rooted in the belief that “the future doesn't belong to the lucky or the loud, it belongs to the prepared.”

“Let this day challenge you, stretch you and push you closer to your dream,” Mr. Nuhu told the fellows.

Board Director of CPI, Mr. Banguu Delle, urged young innovators to be daring and solution-oriented.

“You can never be a good innovator if you don’t take risks,” he said.

He also challenged stakeholders to be aggressive and deliberate in closing the opportunity gap between the North and South of Ghana, describing NGOs like CPI as “life-changing bridges.”

Delivering a keynote on behalf of the National Youth Authority CEO, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, Deputy CEO in charge of Programmes and Operations, said the Authority is currently rolling out a National Apprenticeship Program targeting 100,000 youth annually by 2026.

He said the initiative would provide technical skills training, mentorship, and monthly stipends to young people, including startup kits and certification through CTVET, aimed at reducing youth unemployment.

Madam Elizabeth Akua Nyarko Patterson, founder of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG), highlighted the importance of digital inclusion and early STEM education to enable African youth to compete globally.

“If we want to be part of the changing narrative of the future of work, we must be inclusive and start STEM education early,” she noted.

She encouraged participants to seek mentorship, upskill and use technology meaningfully to build their communities.

This year’s summit climaxed with a business pitch contest where eight out of ten selected young entrepreneurs showcased their ideas to a jury and potential investors.

Mauvee’s Craft emerged as the winner of the Gold Prize worth GHS12, 000, while Mani Technology secured the Silver Prize of GHS9, 000.

Dee Plastic Waste Management took home the Bronze Prize of GHS7, 000.

The remaining participants, Mariam Millinery and Fashion Design Centre, SunRay Innovation, Kelmi’s Crochet Outfits, Zee Farms, and Selyn’s Stitches, each received GHS1, 000.

Zee Farms also won the People’s Choice Prize worth GHS5, 000.