In a significant move to propel Ghana’s agricultural sector towards a more sustainable future, Fidelity Bank has announced the GreenTech Innovation Challenge (GTIC) 2024.
This initiative will award over GH¢1million in grant funding to support innovative solutions addressing critical challenges within the country’s agricultural value chain.
The GTIC 2024 aims to empower Ghanaian businesses and innovators by providing them with the resources they need to launch or scale their GreenTech solutions.
These solutions have the potential to revolutionise Ghana’s agricultural sector, ensuring a more sustainable and productive future.
Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, Julian Opuni, speaking to the media in Accra yesterday, emphasised the bank’s dedication to supporting the agricultural sector, adding, “Our commitment to agriculture is not new.”
“During the 3i Africa Summit in May 2024, we announced the expansion of our Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative through the introduction of an AgricTech competition. We recognise the immense potential of technological solutions in the Agric sector, and the GTIC is a significant step forward in nurturing this potential,” he said.
Mr Opuni further highlighted the importance of engaging Ghana’s youthful population, saying, “Africa boasts of a youthful population, with over 60 per cent under the age of 25. However, the agricultural sector often fails to capture the imagination of this demographic.”
“The GTIC is designed to change that. We want to attract young, tech-savvy minds and empower them to develop innovative solutions that will transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape. We are excited to see the incredible ideas that emerge and become catalysts for progress,” he said.
The GTIC, he said, was meticulously structured to empower innovators at three various stages of development.
“The Ideation Tier is designed for innovators with new, groundbreaking ideas that can tackle specific agricultural challenges. Participants in this tier will be equipped with the resources and support needed to turn their concepts into actionable solutions, laying the groundwork for impactful GreenTech solutions,” he said.
Applications for the GreenTech Innovation Challenge are now open and will be accepted until July 21, 2024.
The challenge will culminate in exciting pitching events where finalists will present their solutions to a distinguished panel of judges.
Winners will be awarded not only grant funding but also invaluable mentorship and the chance to bring their innovations to scale.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
