Frequently Asked Questions & Contact

The Nkabom Collaborative is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s agri-food system by empowering youth to take up opportunities in the food and nutrition value chain. It is a partnership between Mastercard Foundation, McGill University, University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Koforidua Technical University, Ashesi University, University of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Ghana Association of Industries.UG Nkabom refers to the Collaborative’s activities being implemented by the University of Ghana.

“Nkabom” is an Akan word meaning togetherness or collaboration, capturing the Collaborative’s spirit of multi-stakeholder cooperation and inclusive development.

UG Nkabom seeks to transform Ghana’s nutrition and agrifood systems by 

• creating educational opportunities for those who otherwise, will not have opportunity for exploring food systems in a way that creates a sustainable livelihood.

• facilitating access to training programs, especially for those who have diverse vulnerabilities, through support systems and financial assistance.

• Fostering youth innovation and entrepreneurship in agrifood and nutrition systems. 

These objectives guide the structure of UG Nkabom’s execution which is organized around three pillars – Education, Access and Success and Entrepreneurship. Each pillar has a team of experts working to deliver one of the Collaborative objectives.

Activities of UG Nkabom targets youth under 35, with special interest in women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and early-career professionals in the agri-food and nutrition sector.

The Nkabom Collaborative’s work aligns with five SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work, and Climate Action.

Nkabom uniquely blends research, education, policy advocacy, and enterprise development, with strong attention to inclusivity and cross-sector collaboration.

UG Nkabom serves a national audience through partner institutions and outreach activities, welcoming participants from across Ghana’s tertiary education ecosystem. The UG Collaborative’s activities are, however, focused on UG students and alumni.

Nkabom’s vision is best realized when we work with like-minded partners who also seek change in Ghana’s agrifood systems. We invite policymakers, civil society, funders, private sector actors, media, and academia to partner in co-creating a more inclusive and resilient food system in Ghana.

UG Nkabom Entrepreneurship Pillar focuses on driving change in Ghana’ agrifood and nutrition systems by facilitating entrepreneurship among youth. It does this by supporting the youth to transform their agrifood and nutrition business ideas into viable products and services or to grow their existing agrifood businesses. It offers training, mentorship, market access support, and funding connections to help young entrepreneurs grow their agrifood businesses sustainably.

UG Nkabom is designed to turn UG students graduates into the drivers of change in the food value chain. Any UG student or alum [up to 35 years] interested in agrifood or nutrition business is welcome to explore offers by the Entrepreneurship Pillar. From farming, food processing, packaging, agribusiness technology to food service etc., if you are a UG student or alum and interested, you’re welcome!

No. You can join at any stage—from idea through prototype to early-stage business, Nkabom can help you with tailored support. 

Participants receive different kinds of support depending on their needs and circumstance. Our entrepreneurship support ranges from ideation and product concept development, capacity-building sessions, business development support, access to business and technical mentors/ coaches, funding, networking and community, access to market and industry, including study and market access tours across Africa etc. 

Yes! Selected participants will each receive funding to develop their product or service, with guidance from technical experts. There is also funding support to facilitate business acceleration and growth, including penetration of African markets.

We support businesses to adopt environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and inclusive practices. Training modules also focus on long-term sustainability, not just profit.

If you share in our dream of transforming Ghana’s agrifood systems through youth-driven business initiatives, and have experience to share, you can support our work by serving as peer mentor or  intern. You can also connect our participants with resources, community and network etc.

Communities are at the heart of UG Nkabom. Participants engage directly with local leaders, associations, and industry actors to understand the root social or economic challenges in their communities. This helps them co-create inclusive, relevant solutions through their agri-food businesses, ensuring that innovations truly address local needs and can create lasting impact.

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Website www.nkabom.ug.edu.gh

Instagram      @ugnkabom_             https://www.instagram.com/ugnkabom_

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Facebook        UG Nkabom  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574830941959

LinkedIn        UG Nkabom  www.linkedin.com/in/ug-nkabom