What an exhilarating first six months it has been!
As we mark the halfway point of the year, I can’t help but feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with exciting opportunities, significant milestones, and enriching experiences.
To kick off the year, I had the privilege of speaking at the On Point – Africa ITSM conference alongside my cousin, John Samuel Arthur, who is also deeply immersed in the tech, business, and agriculture scene. It was a long-awaited moment for both of us to share the same stage given many our many touching points.
Numerous noteworthy events have punctuated these past six months. One particularly memorable occasion was organizing a roundtable discussion with the Austrian Agriculture Minister, where I had the pleasure of engaging with various AgriTech companies (Farmerline Group, AkoFresh ™️, WamiAgro, Sesi Technologies and Grow For Me) with reps from the World Food Programme Ghana, NEIP and Institute of Green Civil Engineering (IHB), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna. The insights shared and connections forged during this gathering were invaluable, showcasing the range of agriTech startups, innovation in the agricultural sector and the need that still exists.
Another enriching Agriculture highlight was with the Tech Entrepreneurship In Africa cohort taking 13 companies on a field trip to the Ashanti Region in collaboration with Dutch Embassy, Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC), and Holland Greentech. Exploring the vibrant agricultural value chain and witnessing firsthand the potential transformative impact of technology in the field can leave by talking directly with the associations, farmers and agri processors.
Attending the inaugural Intellecap Sankalp Summit in West Africa was yet another significant milestone. This summit brought together brilliant minds and visionaries from diverse sectors, fostering an environment of knowledge exchange, inspiration, and partnership. Another inaugural 1st West Africa Deal Summit by Impact Investing Ghana – conversations that move catalytic capital for impact
Throughout the year, I had the honor of participating in various thought-provoking panels and talks. I had the pleasure of being part of the FinTech and Payments Association Panel, alongside esteemed representatives from Taptap Send, eTranzact Ghana Ltd and hosted by the Eva Gachoki. Other notable panels I had the privilege to contribute to include NEIP panel on Funding Innovation in Ghana alongside Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, MASHAV, Aid From Israel, Mastercard Foundation, and Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs.
Other great events included Women’s Day BlueCrest University College event organized by BlueSPACE Africa Technologies LTD, celebrated the achievements of inspiring women in the industry, Understanding Web3, featuring the brilliant minds of Muntala from Bankless and Vicentia Asilevi of Crypthority, several MEST Africa events and Love Economy Church were other great sessions.
Proud of the numerous speaking engagements such as the Tech Job Fair at the Accra International Conference Centre by Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH), the AIDEC CONSULTANCIES INTERNATIONAL LTD AI Centre Launch in collaboration with Academic City University College, and the Ghana Startup Bill Stakeholder meeting, which saw the engagement of over 30 stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Lastly, the Association of Ghana Startups Stakeholder Meeting, which brought together leading ventures, banks, and development partners, demonstrated the power of collective action and collaboration in driving the startup ecosystem forward. With Ammishaddai Ofori twice I had the pleasure of being on Radio sharing about insights from Ghana Innovation Journal on Citi FM and Asaase 99.5.
The year has been dotted with several noteworthy occasions, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) General Meeting, which took place five years after my involvement in the Abuja Anniversary meeting 2018 as part of the Intra-African Trade Fair Trade Fair. Asa Baako supported by BlacVolta in the West Region and dear to me Mfantsipim School’s Dwen Hwe Kan Forum Education Stakeholder with Mfantsipim Old Boys’ Association and other actors in the space.
Looking ahead, it’s both exciting and humbling to realize that many more incredible events are still on the horizon. The inaugural Kosmos Innovation Center Ghana Agri Conference, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Global Summit in Ghana, Tech in Ghana, GDIW are just a few of the upcoming events that promise to push boundaries, foster collaboration, and accelerate progress within our respective fields.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making these past six months so extraordinary. Your support, collaboration, and shared enthusiasm have been instrumental in creating an atmosphere of growth, learning, and achievement. There are so many amazing people that I have met both in Ghana and abroad where the conversations started will lead to innovation, empowered entrepreneurs, and made a positive impact in our communities.
As we embark on the second half of the year, let us continue to embrace the spirit of collaboration, pursue excellence, and champion positive change. Here’s to an even more remarkable and fulfilling journey ahead!
With gratitude and excitement,
Isaac Newton Acquah