The maiden edition of the Changemakers Challenge, an initiative aimed at nurturing innovative ideas among young people, has been successfully held with participants pitching bold solutions to real societal challenges under the mentorship of Akosua Asaa Manu.
The programme, held on Friday, March 6, 2026, brought together a cohort of young innovators, created a platform for participants to present enterprise-driven solutions while receiving guidance on how to transform their ideas into viable ventures capable of creating impact in their communities.
During the mentorship session, participants delivered 15-minute pitch presentations, showcasing innovative concepts ranging from community development solutions to enterprise initiatives designed to address social and economic challenges.
Speaking at the event, the principal of the programme, Akosua Asaa Manu, emphasized the importance of supporting young people with ideas and providing them with platforms to refine those ideas into practical ventures.
“The purpose of the Changemakers Challenge is to identify bold ideas, nurture them through mentorship, and help transform them into enterprises that can create real impact in our communities,” she said.
According to her, Ghana’s development will increasingly depend on young people who are willing to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
She noted that the initiative was designed not only to recognize great ideas but also to provide mentorship and support structures that will help participants grow their concepts into sustainable projects or businesses.
“The future of our country depends on young people who are prepared to innovate and act. What we are doing through this challenge is to create a platform where ideas can be nurtured and refined so that they can contribute meaningfully to national development,” she added.
The mentorship session formed part of the selection process for the top three (3) proposals that will be adopted and supported under the programme.
Participants were given the opportunity to present their ideas before a panel, followed by questions aimed at assessing the feasibility, scalability, and potential impact of the proposed solutions.
Beyond the pitching sessions, the programme also included a training segment on running and sustaining an enterprise, where participants received practical insights into entrepreneurship, business development, and leadership.
The training session focused on helping the young innovators understand the key elements required to transform an idea into a sustainable enterprise, including strategic planning, financial discipline, and market positioning.
This, according to Akosua Manu seeks to bridge the gap between innovative thinking and practical implementation by equipping participants with the necessary skills, networks, and mentorship.
She noted that aside the top three (3) finalists, the remaining participants will also benefit from continued support through mentorship and guidance aimed at helping them refine their proposals.
These refined proposals, she explained, will be shared with potential mentors and partners who may support the development of the ideas into impactful ventures.
For many of the participants, the opportunity to present their ideas before mentors and industry experts was a valuable learning experience that helped them better understand how to strengthen their concepts and communicate their vision more effectively.
The Changemakers Challenge, organizers say, is expected to grow into a broader platform that will continue to identify, mentor, and support young innovators across the country.
By combining mentorship, enterprise training, and opportunities for partnership, the initiative aims to empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into solutions that benefit society.
With the enthusiasm and creativity displayed during the maiden cohort’s presentations, organizers expressed optimism that the programme will contribute significantly to promoting youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana.