01 Jun 2022 AVI Fellows Launch

On the 20th of May 2022, the Ashesi Venture Incubator (AVI) welcomed fourteen new fellows to the incubator. Aligning with the Ashesi Entrepreneurship Center’s vision to drive an African Renaissance through a transformative entrepreneurship hub that stimulates innovation, creativity, and impact to shape and support a new generation of ethical entrepreneurial leaders in Africa, the AVI Program stands to optimize growth and impact capacity of early-stage ventures by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to transition their models into hybrid business models that help to transform economies.

THE ASHESI VENTURE INCUBATOR

The Ashesi Venture Incubator is a one-year incubation program for graduates of Ashesi as their national service and for recent alumni to accord them the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship as a career alternative. 

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“The goal of AVI is to de-risk the entrepreneurial journey to ensure that our fellows have the opportunity to continue on the path to economic contributions and progress through the development of their hybrid businesses.” Natasha Dadzie, Incubator Manager.

The incubator has since 2019, trained 41 entrepreneurs across diverse industries including agriculture, education, fashion and beauty, information technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and e-commerce. The AVI prides itself in successfully contributing to 13 UN Sustainable Development Goals, empowering 17 males and 24 females in the program. This year, we welcome 7 males and 7 females bringing our trainees to 54 in total.

Our keynote speaker at the launch, the Provost of Ashesi University, Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah in her address said: “I am sure one of the questions on your mind is how to be successful, but Peter F. Drucker says that is the wrong question to ask. The  question is , ‘how to be useful’ Of important note and less obvious is the value you have begun to create, which is a needed response to many of Africa’s urgent needs, in particular food security and quality of living”. She added, “you are all stellar examples of a new generation, who will care about the challenges of Africa and have put into action the courage, persistence, and skills to address these problems.”

 AVI creates a more robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs to evolve and reach a wide range of opportunities. Across the last three cohorts, the ventures have raised about $400,000 in funding.

Meet the Fellows

Amatus Kohaanee Dekye is the founder of Yolom Skin Oils – YSO, a niche player in the skincare industry that manufactures herbal creams ideal for all skin types using natural herbs. It solely blends beneficial natural herbs to create a unique cream effective for nourishing and protecting the skin against infections caused by intense humidity, heat, and cold. YSO’s utmost goal is to provide an affordable option for both low- and middle-class individuals to have a healthy, more even skin tone.

Dela Kwami Acolatse is the founder of Tastetimonials, which offers a premium shared dining experience to your doorstep, for a family party, wedding, or special event. Tastetimonials does this while encouraging the use of local, indigenous ingredients from Ghana to promote Ghana’s food system.

Edel Togobo is the founder of Edelicious Lifestyle & Edelicious Farms (Edelicious Network), a platform that supports the adoption of healthier eating habits through convenient menu designs, meal prep packages, and fruit delivery services.

Abraham Abbey is the founder of Anidaso farms, a newly established commercial poultry farm that engages in the production and sales of high-quality chicken and eggs at affordable prices. It is located at Berekuso in the Akwapim-south district.

Elom Awo Acolatse is the founder of Sokolata, a local high-end chocolate brand produced from Ghanaian Premium cocoa beans with a focus on chocolate retailing in high-end stores across urban cities. She aims to be recognized as the preferred chocolate brand for the upper working class.

 

Ernestina Yaa Agyarkwa Kobi is the founder of Sanhwe, a Ghanaian-based agriculturally driven house excited about giving people the possibility to explore a wide range of unique products(starting with fragrances) on a budget that will inadvertently attract another look.

Francis Kobla Okunade is the co-founder of Deka (by Safehouse Agribusiness Limited). They are on a mission to make raw material sourcing a seamless process for food processors in Africa so that they can thrive and create more opportunities for people across the continent.

Christian Hakizimana is the founder of Hakikris which farms, packages, sells, and delivers top-quality local rice to customers and retail shops in Burundi, East Africa. He aims to bridge the gap between local farmers and the market and, to serve customers with trusted branded local rice in Africa and the world.

Kwasi Asiedu-Mensah is the founder of Efiewura, a real estate service for young adults between the ages of 20-35 in Accra who earn low- middle-income wages and are looking for a place to stay. The service extends to property owners and landlords in Accra who are looking for tenants and for someone to manage their property.

Lindiwe Mutungamiri is the co-founder of Lith Africa, which is on a mission to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals in Africa. Their work is inspired by the satisfaction they get from empowering individuals and positively impacting lives. 

Nicole Sheila Amoo-Yankey is the co-founder of Nissie, a Ghanaian handmade arts and crafts store that specializes in the branding of acrylic items such as keychains, and acrylic signs for businesses, events, and gift items such as journals, bottles, frames, tote bags, etc. They believe that everyone has a unique style, and they bring that to life through their products.

Michael Twene Osei is the founder of TIES Agric Ghana, which is a technology-driven business that pioneers sustainable food production and processing in Africa. They remain committed to exploring innovative means to scale, tapping into the potential that exists in the value chain to create value for their business and society. 

Ewuresi Folson is the founder of RF Active, which is an athleisure sportswear brand that aims at promoting self-love through body embracement. They aim to improve the health and wellness ecosystem in Ghana and potentially Africa.

Zelia Abdul-Mumin is the founder of AmiShea, which focuses on the processing of Shea Nut into viable Shea butter products by engaging women in Northern Ghana. They provide secure and decent permanent employment opportunities for women in rural areas by marketing and selling our products in markets  both locally and internationally.