The E-Jobs4All Summit will convene distinguished individuals, including international guests, diplomats, high-level leaders, government officials, policymakers, scholars, investors, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to discuss and explore opportunities for fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

Theme: Igniting Futures: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Peace for Sustainable Development.
Date: Tuesday, October 22 – Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Venue:  Accra International Conference Centre.

This Summit is a collaborative initiative involving the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, Canada, the Community and Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (CEDI Ghana), Leadogo Incorporated, and the Government of Ghana through National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources with support from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Who Attends?

The summit aims to attract the most impactful leaders from around the world. Delegates typically include high-level leaders, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and CEOs who come together to learn, network, and scale their businesses. Participants are accepted based on the merit of their proven leadership and ability to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. Scholarships are available to SMEs and young business leaders who are part of the E-Jobs4All program.

Program Outline:
The program will include a variety of activities, such as opening and closing ceremonies, networking and awards cocktail, mentoring and investment café, business and CEOs connect, development dialogues, training sessions, a pitch competition, as well as tours and site visits.

Summit Fees:
Registration Fee: Gh₵1,000.
UPSA Hostel Accommodation: Gh₵100 per night
Hotel Accommodation: $50-$80 per night.
The registration fee will include summit materials and feeding.

Award Nominations

The corporate awards categories include Best Consulting Firm, Best Innovation Award, Community Impact Award, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award and many others.
Individual award categories include Innovator of the Year, Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award and others.
For partnership, sponsorship, or exhibition inquiries, please contact Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah at +233 20 520 2000 or via email at kwakupinkrah.k@queensu.ca.

Summit Abstract

Igniting Futures: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Peace for Sustainable Development in Ghana

This summit seeks to explore the pivotal role of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving sustainable development and promoting peace in Ghana, especially in the context of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. The theme, “Igniting Futures: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Peace for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes the need to foster entrepreneurial initiatives and innovative solutions to address socio-economic challenges, while also promoting a peaceful electoral process and long-term, inclusive growth.

Background and Relevance:
Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant, with the country ranking among the top in Africa for entrepreneurial activity. Over 37% of adults in Ghana engage in early-stage entrepreneurial endeavors, driven by a youthful population where 57% are under the age of 25. This demographic dynamism presents a significant opportunity for economic transformation through entrepreneurship.

Ghana’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligns perfectly with the summit’s objectives, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, quality education, and decent work. With the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, promoting peace is crucial to maintaining the stability necessary for sustainable development. Ensuring a peaceful electoral process will foster a conducive environment for economic activities and social cohesion.

Summit Goals

1. Empowerment of Entrepreneurs:
   • Providing training, mentorship, and resources to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.
   • Facilitating access to funding through connections with investors and financial institutions.
2. Promotion of Innovation:
   • Encouraging innovative solutions to socio-economic issues.
   • Showcasing successful innovation models and enabling knowledge exchange.
3. Sustainable Development:
   • Ensuring entrepreneurial efforts align with the SDGs, promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
   • Highlighting our Entrepreneurship Jobs for All (E-Jobs4All) projects which offer sustainable employment and livelihood to Ghanaians.
4. Promotion of Peace:
   • Using the summit as a platform to advocate for a peaceful electoral process.
   • Engaging political leaders, civil society, and the youth in dialogues on the importance of maintaining peace during elections.

5. Networking and Collaboration:
   • Creating opportunities for dialogue among international guests, government officials, scholars, investors, and entrepreneurs.
   • Fostering partnerships to drive ongoing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Expected Outcomes

The summit aims to empower Ghanaian entrepreneurs, stimulate innovative solutions, and ensure these efforts contribute to sustainable development and peace. By facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, the event will help build a robust ecosystem that supports economic growth, job creation, and the achievement of the SDGs in Ghana.

Promoting peace during the electoral process will enhance national stability, ensuring a favorable environment for development initiatives. This summit promises to be a catalyst for change, igniting the potential of Ghana’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to build a sustainable and peaceful future for all.