We Build Ecosystems, Not Just Events”: CEO of Ghana’s Young Entrepreneurs Chamber Speaks on Impact, Policy, and Ambition

Accra, Ghana – The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE), Sherif Ghali, says Ghana’s economic future depends on a generation of bold young entrepreneurs—not just government policy or foreign aid.

In an exclusive interview, Ghali revealed the scope of GCYE’s work, its growing influence on national policy, and the grassroots momentum transforming the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“We started GCYE because the future of Ghana’s economy isn’t in big government or foreign aid—it’s in bold young entrepreneurs,” Ghali stated. “We needed a voice, a platform, and a movement to back that vision.”

Since its founding, the Chamber has emerged as one of Ghana’s most visible and structured youth entrepreneurship institutions. It has supported over 15,000 young entrepreneurs through programs ranging from business formalization to funding readiness and market access.

Beyond Training: Building Systems That Last

While many entrepreneurship organizations focus on short-term interventions, Ghali says GCYE’s model is long-term and system-oriented.

“We don’t just offer workshops—we build ecosystems,” he explained. “GCYE connects policy to people, ideas to capital, and talent to opportunity.”

One of its most strategic undertakings is its leadership in driving the Ghana Innovation and Startups Bill, a landmark policy framework to provide sustained national support for startups.

“We’ve taken youth voices from Accra to Tamale and translated them into policy. That’s real representation, not tokenism,” he said.

Policy and Impact, From Street Level to Parliament

Ghali described a success story that underscores GCYE’s approach to inclusive economic development. A young woman, who enrolled in the Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurs (APPENT) program, launched a tailoring business after completing her TVET training. Today, she employs 12 others.

“That’s the ripple effect we’re creating,” he noted.

The Chamber’s programs also emphasize gender inclusion. Over 3,000 young women have benefitted from the Young Female Entrepreneurs Programme (YoFEP), which offers tailored mentorship and business development support.

“Gender inclusion isn’t charity—it’s smart economics,” he added.

Development Partners and the Private Sector: A Call to Action

Ghali believes Ghana’s development partners and corporate actors can amplify youth impact faster by working with existing institutions like GCYE.

“We have the data, the infrastructure, and the national reach. Partners don’t have to build from scratch—plug into GCYE and scale impact across Ghana instantly,” he said.

The Chamber has already established formal partnerships with various development agencies, NGOs, and local authorities. It also invites corporate entities to co-invest in youth-led innovation, particularly through procurement and supplier development initiatives.

“The private sector can co-invest, co-innovate, and co-create,” Ghali said. “Our doors are open for businesses ready to tap into the next generation of Ghanaian talent and ideas.”

Beyond the Spotlight: Ensuring Long-Term Value

Ghali emphasized that GCYE is focused on sustainability—not visibility.

“Every program has follow-through: mentorship, market access, and tracking. We don’t do handouts; we build systems where youth can thrive long after the cameras are gone,” he noted.

Final Message: A Network That Believes in You

To young Ghanaians exploring entrepreneurship, Ghali’s message is simple but direct:

“Don’t wait for permission to lead. Join a network that believes in you, invests in you, and walks with you. That network is the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs.”

About GCYE

The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs is a national youth-led organization that advocates, supports, and promotes entrepreneurship as a tool for economic development. Through policy influence, capacity-building, and ecosystem partnerships, GCYE continues to drive the agenda for youth-led business transformation across the country.

For more information or to join the Chamber, visit www.gcyegh.org or follow GCYE on social media.