The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), an institute of Ashesi University, on March 21, 2026, graduated 20 businesses from the final cohort of its Supporting the Green Economy (SURGE) programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The ceremony in Accra celebrated the achievements of entrepreneurs implementing practical, market-ready solutions in renewable energy, waste, agriculture, and water systems whilst recognising their innovation, impact, and contribution to creating jobs and strengthening climate resilience across Ghana.
Global Affairs Canada, the Government of Canada’s department for international development and diplomacy, funds initiatives that advance sustainable growth, climate action, and inclusive development.
The SURGE programme, executed by the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), equips climate-focused entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, access to finance, and networking opportunities.
By enabling locally led solutions, the programme strengthens Ghana’s green economy and helps businesses scale innovative approaches to climate challenges.
This cohort concludes a five-year partnership and six cohorts, which have supported 140 enterprises, achieved near gender parity, advancing innovation across key climate sectors and achieved some very exciting impact:
- Avoided 832,099 metric tons of CO₂ emissions
- Created 2,107 jobs
- Generated over $12.4 million in revenue
- Received $2.6 million in catalytic grants
- Reached more than 5.7 million customers
Pearl Esua-Mensah, Executive Director of GCIC, highlighted the programme’s catalytic role in unlocking capital, supporting job creation, and advancing climate solutions, stating: “When this journey began, it was anchored in a powerful belief: that Ghanaian entrepreneurs, when given the right support, can build solutions that address climate challenges while driving economic growth. Today, we see clear evidence of that belief. The SURGE programme has helped climate-focused businesses grow and deliver solutions that reduce carbon emissions. It shows that entrepreneurs can build businesses that protect the environment while creating sustainable livelihoods in their communities.”
In her address, Françoise Nduwimana, Head of Cooperation, High Commission of Canada, emphasised the value of sustained partnership and long-term impact: “Supporting entrepreneurs is about more than funding, it’s about enabling Ghanaian innovators to develop solutions that drive both economic growth and climate action. Through the SURGE programme, we see how patient, targeted support can help businesses scale all while advancing environmental sustainability. This is the kind of impact Global Affairs Canada is proud to foster, and it’s a testament to the potential of locally led solutions.”
Alumni and graduating businesses, including Dennis Asiedu Ababio (Agro Empire), Lydia Forson (Kinky Matters), and Christine Antwi-Frimpong (Zuriel Carbon Products), highlighted the transformative impact of the SURGE programme.
They emphasised the value of the combination of practical masterclasses, catalytic grants, and tailored workshops that addressed the unique challenges faced by both women and men entrepreneurs.
Lydia Safo of Safosco Enterprise and Frank Kofi Gyabeng of Fruity Star also lauded, among other things, the programme’s dedicated project managers who provided strategic guidance on business structure and innovation, as well as the alumni platform that fosters collaboration and cross-networking among enterprises during and after incubation.
As the SURGE programme concludes, GCIC celebrates the collective impact of five years of partnership with Global Affairs Canada. Building on this foundation, GCIC will continue collaborating with GAC and other partners to expand support for innovative, climate-friendly enterprises across Ghana, driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and delivering lasting environmental impact.
To find out more about GCIC, visit https://ghanacic.ashesi.edu.gh/about
Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC)
The Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), an institute of Ashesi University was established in 2016, and has supported 383 climate-focused businesses whilst achieving near gender parity. These enterprises have created 38,646 jobs, generated $73.8 million in revenue, raised $45.2 million in additional capital, reached 39.1 million customers, avoided 4 million metric tonnes of CO₂, and received $5 million in grants, collectively strengthening climate resilience, driving sustainable economic growth, and delivering lasting environmental and social impact across Ghana.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the Government of Canada’s department for international development and diplomacy, works in Ghana through strategic programs and funding that support a wide range of initiatives, including local development, youth employment, women’s empowerment, climate innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
