Impact Africa Alliance (IAA) has called for greater investment in skills development, mentorship and entrepreneurship to prepare young Africans for emerging opportunities in technology and business.
The call follows a capacity-building masterclass organised by the Alliance at the Google AI Community Centre in Accra, which attracted young leaders, students, entrepreneurs and professionals.
The masterclass focused on artificial intelligence (AI), leadership, entrepreneurship and access to finance, with attendance exceeding the venue’s available seating capacity. Additional participants followed the sessions online from the lobby.
Speaking after the event, IAA Ghana Country Director, Jemimah Opata, said the turnout demonstrated the need for platforms that equip young people with skills relevant to a changing economic and technological environment.
“The overwhelming turnout and engagement affirm the urgent need for platforms that equip African youth with future-ready skills,” she said.
Ms Opata said the organisation intended to expand opportunities for young people across Ghana and West Africa through capacity building, leadership development and partnerships.
She encouraged businesses, educational institutions, development organisations and professionals to collaborate with the Alliance to provide mentorship and learning opportunities.
IAA President, Emmanuel Mbansi, said the organisation’s work was guided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its vision of “The Africa We Want”.
He said the Alliance aimed to help young Africans realise their potential, develop meaningful careers and shape their futures through innovation and practical skills.
Mr Mbansi emphasised the importance of equipping young people not only to succeed in existing industries but also to develop solutions and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
He added that mentorship and guidance would help beneficiaries build confidence, apply their ideas and extend support to others.
The masterclass was offered free of charge to selected participants as part of IAA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The programme forms part of the organisation’s broader efforts to support inclusive development through skills training, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
As part of its next phase of activities, IAA plans to roll out programmes in AI literacy, leadership development, and girls’ access to technology and mentorship.
The organisation’s work aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly their priorities on education, innovation, inclusive prosperity and youth development.
The event also marked the official launch of IAA’s Ghana Chapter, bringing together leaders from business, education, public communication and the creative industries.
The launch was chaired by Divine Asiedu, with actor and creative industry leader Adjetey Anang delivering the keynote address.
Other participants included Dr David King Boison, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Web Centre and Lead Consultant for the AI Africa Project; Jacob J. Walker, founder of EducateONE; and Fedelis Dadzie, Technical and Gender Programme Director for CapPlus’ Financial Institution Resilience and Strengthening programme (FIRST+II).
Also present were communications strategist and former Deputy Director of Communications at the Presidency, Jefferson Kwamena Sackey; educator and author Dr Mary Asabea Ashun; and actor, entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Cello, Mawuli Gavor.
IAA is inviting organisations and professionals interested in youth development to partner with it on future programmes, mentorship and skills-building initiatives.
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