Anglogold Ashanti Empowers Obuasi Entrepreneurs with launch of Innovation Challenge

AngloGold Ashanti Empowers Obuasi Entrepreneurs with Launch of Innovation Challenge

Obuasi, AngloGold Ashanti has launched the Obuasi Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenge, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering local youth to turn their innovative business ideas into thriving enterprises. The launch event celebrated the success of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the area and marked the beginning of a new era of economic growth and development in Obuasi.

Mr Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager at the event explained that the challenge is part of AngloGold Ashanti’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), which seeks to diversify and sustain the local economy. Through the SEDP, the company has implemented several initiatives, including the Business Acceleration and Sustainability Programme (BAST), a collaboration with Absa Bank Ghana and Mastercard Foundation.

The BAST programme has empowered local entrepreneurs, enhanced their skills through capacity-building workshops, and supported them in creating a conducive environment for growth. To date, the programme has achieved significant milestones, including 476 businesses formalized, 108 gained access to finance, 810 increased revenue, and 267 jobs created.

AngloGold Ashanti’s Managing Director expressed his delight in launching the Obuasi Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenge, stating that it aligns with the company’s vision to empower people and advance societies. The challenge aims to support Obuasi youth in operationalizing their innovative business concepts, with great potential for growth, income generation, and employment.

The company’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs is evident in its various initiatives, including the Enterprise and Skills Development Centre, Supply Chain Development Project, Women in E-commerce, Artisan to Entrepreneurship project, and the Obuasi Trade and Exhibition Show. These initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth and development of MSMEs in the area.

The launch of the Obuasi Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenge marks a new chapter in the company’s efforts to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth in Obuasi. With this initiative, AngloGold Ashanti is poised to make a lasting impact on the local economy and create meaningful opportunities for the youth.