Held in commemoration of World Youth Skills Day 2025, the virtual event convened a vibrant forum to explore the theme: “From Farm to Future: How the Digital is Cultivating a New Generation of Youth Agri-preneurs.”

The conversation, which was moderated by Madam Zeenatu Suglo Adams, founder of Pneuma Food Scientifics, spotlighted how digital innovation was making agri-preneurship more accessible and scalable for young Ghanaians.

Four youth speakers shared compelling insights on how they were harnessing digital tools — from IoT sensors to mobile apps and online platforms — to rethink and expand agricultural practices.

A smart-mushroom farmer, Mr. Fedelix Agyemang Owusu, explained,  “Technology doesn’t always have to be expensive or complicated. I use simple sensors and online tracking tools to monitor humidity levels and reduce post-harvest losses. What matters is understanding your environment and adapting.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Qualiseed Ltd, Mr. Andrew Adjetey, emphasized the importance of building strong networks. “As youth, we can’t afford to work in silos. I’ve learned that creating meaningful networks — from academia to farmers to processors — is just as important as having a great product.”

For another panelist, Mr. Kirk Edem, his background in agricultural engineering shaped his approach to designing for usability. “My focus is always on user needs. If a rural farmer can’t afford complex equipment, how do we design around that? Sometimes innovation is just simplifying what already exists.”

Sharing her experiences as a woman in farming, Ms. Asaa Gyebi-Adjei advocated for inclusive transformation, stating, “We can’t talk about the future of food without addressing whose voices are heard. Women, youth, and underserved communities must be part of designing and scaling solutions.”

Beyond the critical issues raised, audience members signaled a genuine interest in acquiring tech-savvy skills to help them navigate the evolving nutrition and agri-food landscape. One participant, for instance, asked whether they could access coaching from the rich expertise of the panel members to support digitalizing aspects of their businesses

Another observed, “Setting a standard and being a role model is key because people don’t respect farmers. Even most farmers themselves despise their job."

The session ended with a strong call to action for young people to engage with UG Nkabom’s work, explore digital tools, and pursue collaborative opportunities.

The UG Nkabom X-Spaces conversation series is an initiative of the Nkabom Collaborative, a partnership of the University of Ghana, Mastercard Foundation McGill University and several other institutions in Ghana. The vision of the Collaborative is to contribute to transforming Ghana’s food systems by empowering the youth through education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive access. The UG Nkabom X-Spaces will be held quarterly to Centre the voices of youths in agriculture and agribusiness with a new to nurturing the next generation of impact makers in Ghana’s food systems.