Ghana’s Innovation Hubs Rebound: Empowering Startups from Accra to Rural Communities
After the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana’s innovation hubs are making a strong comeback. Thanks to international partnerships like the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ghana Tech project and strategic training programs, these hubs are now better equipped to support startups, drive innovation, and scale impact across the country.
From Accra’s urban tech clusters to grassroots hubs in rural regions, the ecosystem is experiencing a transformation rooted in local ownership and sustainable knowledge transfer.
Post-Pandemic Recovery for Innovation Hubs in Ghana
Like many ecosystems globally, Ghana’s innovation spaces faced major disruptions during the pandemic. Service models collapsed, startup support dwindled, and many hubs struggled to stay afloat.
“Most hubs had been hit hard. They needed to rebuild, and quickly.”
— Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman, Ghana Hubs Network
In response, NTF V partnered with the Ghana Hubs Network and international experts to rebuild core competencies and develop more resilient and sustainable innovation hubs.
Foundational Skills: Business Models, Startup Coaching & More
Starting in 2022, an intensive 8-week training programme was launched to equip hub staff and leaders with foundational tools:
- Business Model Canvas
- Empathy Mapping
- Value Proposition Design
- Marketing & Communications
- Startup Coaching Techniques
Led by business tools expert Nadine Reichenthal, the training laid the foundation for independent, scalable growth among Ghana’s hubs.
“The training helped hubs rethink how they operate and how best to support startups. It meant the ecosystem could now scale knowledge locally.”
— Yaw Adu-Gyamfi
From Training to Practice: AgricoHub’s Transformation
One standout success story is AgricoHub, a rural innovation hub focused on agritech and entrepreneurship. Co-founder David Yeboah joined the first NTF V cohort in 2022.
“Before, we supported startups but without structure. Now, we use tools like the empathy map and value proposition canvas to help founders refine their solutions.”
— David Yeboah, Co-founder, AgricoHub
AgricoHub has since:
- Trained over 20 startups
- Facilitated inclusion in UNICEF’s Startup Lab
- Helped launch a Startup Cooperative Credit Union for funding and peer support
- Built a peer-learning platform for ongoing founder-to-founder knowledge sharing
Solving the Funding Gap: Grants, Partnerships & Fundraising Skills
In 2025, NTF V introduced a follow-on program focused on overcoming one of the biggest barriers facing hubs—access to funding. Led by fundraising expert Tonia Dadwe, hubs learned how to:
- Identify and apply for grant opportunities
- Build compelling value propositions
- Engage donors and partners
- Create long-term funding strategies
“This filled a major gap. Hubs are now equipped to meet funding requirements and communicate their impact effectively.”
— Yaw Adu-Gyamfi
National Reach with Local Impact: Over 50 Hubs Empowered
The program reached more than 50 innovation hubs across Ghana, ensuring inclusive development across all regions, from urban centres to underserved rural communities.
“We were deliberate about geographic spread. Rural hubs are critical to inclusive growth, supporting MSMEs and solving community problems.”
— Yaw Adu-Gyamfi
These hubs are helping drive job creation, foster local entrepreneurship, and unlock grassroots innovation that contributes to national development.
Future of Innovation in Ghana: Maker Spaces & Green Economy Solutions
Although the formal NTF V program has concluded, demand for continued innovation support is growing. Areas of high demand include:
- Maker Spaces for hands-on prototyping
- Green economy solutions
- Digital tools for agriculture and small businesses
“Young people in rural areas have ideas but lack access to tools. We must address this.”
— Yaw Adu-Gyamfi
“We’re building peer-learning systems and exploring new partnerships to scale this work.”
— David Yeboah
Ghana’s Innovation Hubs Are Driving Tech-Enabled Inclusive Growth
Thanks to a blend of local drive and global support, Ghana’s innovation hubs have rebounded stronger, smarter, and more sustainable. From coaching startups and securing funding to creating peer-led learning platforms, these hubs are now pivotal in shaping Ghana’s digital economy and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
With the continued support of programs like NTF V and networks like Ghana Hubs Network, the country is well-positioned to become a leading innovation hub in West Africa.
