In 2017, the GhanaThink Foundation organized the Ghana Youth Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GYSEC) in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT).
In 2018, GYSEC expanded to become a 4th program for GhanaThink after Barcamp Ghana, Junior Camp Ghana, Ghana Volunteer Program and was renamed the Ghana Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program (GYSEP).
GYSEP was rebranded as Komseko in 2020. In 2023, the third cohort of social entrepreneurs trained, with 40 completing the training program, as part of DOT’s Daring To Shift Project. This project receives funding from Global Affairs Canada.
The final workshop was from February 25-26 (9am to 6pm each day), at Mobile Web Ghana in Accra.
Doris Lonta (Splendor FabriQs), Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare (Krata Space), Hiqmat Sungdeme Saani (Baabuh Hub – now Paahibu Space), Moses J. Tiborgnan (Timoya Farms), Paul Etor (Linchpin), Portia Dumba (PorduCare), Raheemah Quaye (Girls Standout), and Vida Dassah (Mum’s Gift Royal) were taken through developing one-pager guides and pitch decks. A networking event – Kumasi Konnect Meetup – was organized by GhanaThink to coincide with the workshop, giving the trainees the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, stakeholders, etc.
These 8 trainees partook in the Pitch Competition with invited guests in attendance, including Peter Asare Nyarko who was adjudged Social Entrepreneur of The Year at the Young Entrepreneur Awards organized by the Ghana Startup Network. Ato Ulzen-Appiah and Seyram Ahiabor served as judges. Adelina Martey moderated the finale with Esperanza Yakubu and Richmond Anane working on logistics and finances respectively. The judges’ scores, as well as program participation and program activity, completion of Moodle courses as well as the feasibility and discretion of the Komseko team were leveraged in selecting the final 3 award winners. Hiqmat Sungdeme Saani (Baabuh Hub), Moses J. Tiborgnan (Timoya Farms), and Portia Dumba (PorduCare) were awarded GHC6000 each to continue working on their social enterprises.
Hiqmat Sungdeme Saani (Baabuh Hub – now Paahibu Space)
Our Solution: Baabuh Hub provides strategic digital solutions, business development services, and capacity-building training to small businesses. We aim to help upgrade small businesses to grow and succeed in this era by offering a range of services that can improve their online presence, streamline their operations, and increase their bottom line.
Vision: To be an excellent technology, innovation and entrepreneurship hub that nurtures the growth of young minds and businesses, through top-notch digital solutions and training.
Moses J. Tiborgnan (Timoya Farms)
Solution: Setting up of a rice processing plant that educates, empowers and sources raw materials from farmers at more competitive prices using the services of rural parboilers (women)to produce high-quality rice in ecofriendly packages
Vision: To be the hub of modernized sustainable and climate-smart agriculture in Ghana and the sub-region
Portia Dumba (PorduCare)
Solution: We facilitate the formation of women cooperatives and build their capacities on product quality to ensure they produce quality shea butter too large to meet the market demand. We source shea nuts directly from these cooperatives at premium prices and also refine some into shea pomade and other shea products.
Vision: To establish a standard Shea butter processing company that promote the patronage of locally made Shea butter, in other to solve skin care problems and create employment opportunities for young people in Ghana and beyond
Hiqmat Sungdeme Saani (Baabuh Hub – Paahibu Space), Moses J. Tiborgnan (Timoya Farms), and Portia Dumba (PorduCare) are amongst 40 youth who were trained through the Komseko Social Entrepreneurship Program. Alongside the other 5 finalists, they would also be engaging established social entrepreneurs in mentor hours to gain advice and mentorship. All the trainees would receive continuous mentorship and technical support from the GhanaThink team, as well as assistance with professional, and business opportunities.