DIPPER Lab Hosts Two-Day Entrepreneurship Training for Youth and Early-Stage Startups
DIPPER Lab Hosts Two-Day Entrepreneurship Training for Youth and Early-Stage Startups As part of the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2025, DIPPER Lab, in collaboration with GIZ – Ghanaian European Centre (GEC) and the Support to Private and Financial Sector (PFS) programme, organized a two-day Startup Training and Entrepreneurship Program (STEP). The event was designed to equip entrepreneurs, students, creatives, and job seekers with practical tools to thrive in competitive markets locally and internationally.
With additional support from the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Hubs Network, and Man & Robot, the training focused on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and the growing relevance of AI and data in today's economy. Dr. Henry Nunoo Mensah, Research Thematic Lead at DIPPER Lab, led a session on building a freelance portfolio. He emphasized the importance of showcasing results rather than promises. “Clients hire proof, not promises,” he said, highlighting that a strong portfolio, especially when AI-driven, helps solve real business problems and stands out in a competitive market.
The Executive Director of the Africa Center for Digital Transformation, Mr. Kwesi Atuahene, introduced participants to cybersecurity and digital safety trends in Ghana. He walked them through the national cybersecurity registration portal and laid out a roadmap for becoming a cybersecurity professional. “Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries globally and offers remote work opportunities,” he noted.
Miss. Evelyn Kwarteng, Director of Programs for Digital Transformation Specialists, took participants through practical digital tools for innovation. She introduced Canva as a key platform for creatives and entrepreneurs looking to produce professional content with limited resources. Dr. Eric Tutu Tchao, Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab, encouraged attendees to apply the skills gained.
“We want you to take the training seriously so that in five years, you can look back and say these skills helped launch your journey as an entrepreneur, innovator, or professional,” he said.
Participants were also introduced to data science and cloud computing by Ebenezer Sarfo Adu, a data scientist. He stressed that data science is more than just a career. “It’s a tool for empowerment. Get curious and solve a problem, data is all around us,” he said. Mr. Makafui Bedzra, Innovation Manager at the KNUST College of Engineering Innovation Centre, spoke about unlocking business opportunities through artificial intelligence. “In your attempt to come up with a business idea, take advantage of AI,” he advised.
The final session was led by Dr. Enoch Bessah, Research Lead for Food Security and Ecosystem Services at DIPPER Lab. He explored the path from capstone projects and mini projects to commercialization, drawing from DIPPER Lab’s experience. The two-day STEP initiative forms part of a broader effort to build a digitally skilled, innovation-driven workforce capable of navigating and shaping Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.