By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, July 11, GNA – Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) and Rabo Foundation have launched an agribusiness incubation initiative to strengthen and scale 100 high-potential small and medium enterprises (agri-SMEs) in Ghana.
The “Business Booster Programme” aims to promote inclusive economic growth and support entrepreneurs driving innovation in the agriculture sector.
It targets agribusinesses operating across key value chains, including shea, soybeans, seeds, fonio, moringa, spices, cocoa processing, horticulture, and oil palm.
In a release copied to Ghana News Agency on Friday, Mr Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, the Executive Director, KIC, said the programme would equip entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and knowledge required to build resilient and scalable enterprises.
He explained that the programme, among other objectives, sought to address constraints faced by agri-SMEs, including limited access to structured business development support, weak operational systems, market access challenges, and gaps in financial and strategic management capacity.
“Through this initiative, KIC and Rabo Foundation aim to enable participating businesses to become more competitive, investment-ready, and capable of delivering sustainable economic and social impact,” he said.
“We believe that strong agribusinesses are essential to transforming agriculture into a driver of inclusive economic growth. We are investing in the future of Ghana’s agricultural economy.”
Ms Rosina Obeng, Country Representative, Rabo Foundation, said the partnership would help agri-SMEs grow stronger, become more resilient, and unlock opportunities that benefited farmers, farming communities and local markets.
The Business Booster Programme will provide tailored incubation and advisory services, capacity building in financial, operational, and strategic management, mentorship and coaching from industry experts, market readiness and value chain integration support.
It would be implemented over a two-year period, and expected to contribute to improved business performance, job creation, enhanced market access, and stronger integration of SMEs into Ghana’s agricultural value chains.
The long-term nature of the partnership ensures that participating businesses receive sufficient time and support to transition from early-stage or growth-stage enterprises into more structured, competitive, and scalable agribusinesses.
Qualified agribusinesses across the country have been encouraged to apply for the programme.
The Kosmos Innovation Centre, established in 2016, empowers entrepreneurs and provide funding support to turn their ideas into viable, self-sustaining businesses.
Since its inception, more than 145,255 young leaders have been trained in business skills and mindset change about agriculture and entrepreneurship through various programmes.
Rabo Foundation, founded in 1974, is an independent public-benefit foundation that provides early-stage impact finance and capacity-building support to organisations working to improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience.
Active in over 20 countries, it provides financial and technical support to farmer-centric organisations, including agricultural cooperatives, agri-SMEs, inclusive financial service providers, and agri-fintechs that help smallholder farmers access finance, knowledge, markets, and sustainable growth opportunities.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Writer’s email: [email protected]