On September 22, 2025, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) served as the venue for the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF), an event of significant national importance that convened approximately 5,000 participants, including youth leaders, policymakers, and industry executives. Organized by VODEC Africa, the forum focused on transitioning from theoretical discourse to the implementation of practical solutions for sustainable growth
Strategic Vision: The Seven-Pillar Economic Plan
At the heart of the forum, VODEC Africa CEO Daniel Asomani presented a high-level roadmap designed to integrate diverse sectors into a unified engine of growth.
Digital Economy Revolution: Establishing Ghana as the Premier Technological and Data-Driven Gateway for West African Innovation.
This initiative seeks to position Ghana as the primary digital hub for the West African sub-region. Central to this strategy is the One Million Coders Initiative, which is currently providing specialized training in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data analytics across all 261 districts. The plan targets the creation of 200,000 technology-driven jobs by 2028, aiming to generate approximately $2 billion in annual digital exports.
Agricultural Value Chain Transformation: A Strategic Green Revolution to Ensure National Food Security and Generate Two Million Sustainable Jobs.
Asomani proposed a sweeping transformation to modernize underperforming agricultural sectors, aiming to increase their GDP contribution from 18% to 25%. This “Green Revolution” focuses on establishing mechanized farmer cooperatives and agro-processing zones to add value to cash crops before export. Notably, VODEC Africa committed 40% of its funding to female agribusiness entrepreneurs, particularly in the high-impact shea butter processing industry, which currently supports over 600,000 women.
Manufacturing Regeneration Initiative: Positioning Ghana as the Central Industrial Nexus for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscinThis pillar emphasizes building industrial sovereignty by regenerating Ghana’s manufacturing base. It is supported by a new directive for state institutions to source uniforms and fabrics locally, aiming to revitalize the textile sector and position Ghanaian products at the center of the AfCFTA marketplace. elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Tourism and Creative Industries Explosion: A Year-Round Movement to Establish Ghana as the Cultural and Creative Epicentre of the African Continent.
Branded as “The Black Star Experience,” this movement is structured around seven cultural markers: Cinema, Audio, Cuisine, Aesthetics, Style, Literature, and Culture. The goal is to generate $5 billion for the Ghanaian economy by 2027 by training up to 10,000 cultural ambassadors and establishing global “Experience Shops” in major international airports to showcase Ghanaian soft power.
Financial Technology Leadership Strategy: Leveraging Digital Innovation and Robust Regulatory Frameworks to Position Ghana as the Fintech Capital of Africa.
Recognizing Ghana’s mobile penetration and 500,000 active mobile money agents, this strategy aims to integrate digital credit and AI-driven credit scoring into the economy. The goal is to establish a $50 million Fintech Development Fund to support SMEs in accessing working capital and formalizing their financial activities.
Natural Resources Revolution: A Paradigm Shift Toward Industrial Value Addition to Maximize National Wealth from Gold, Bauxite, and Oil.
Asomani urged the nation to move beyond being “hewers of wood and drawers of water” by transitioning from a raw material exporter to an industrial participant. Specific targets include establishing gold refineries, aluminum smelters for the bauxite sector, and petrochemical complexes for oil. This transformation is projected to create 1.5 million jobs and increase the sector’s GDP contribution to 35% by 2030.
Human Capital Maximization: Investing in the Ghanaian People through Radical Educational Reform and STEM-Driven Workforce Readiness.
This pillar identifies the people of Ghana as the nation’s greatest resource, necessitating a “national crusade” for STEM education. The strategy focuses on closing the enrollment gap where only 20% of tertiary students are in STEM programs, advocating for specialized universities in robotics and biotechnology to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy.
Leadership Wisdom from the NELEF Podium
A summary of the strategic advice and political discourse shared by the forum’s distinguished guest speakers
Agyapong provided a blunt assessment of success, outlining "Seven Determinants" including vision, hard work, and extreme honesty. He delivered a specific financial challenge to the youth: save 70% of your income if single and 30% if married to build investment capital. He emphasized that agro-processing offers a more lucrative and sustainable path for the youth than the gold or oil industries.
Ashanti Regional Minister
Discussing his journey as the nation's youngest Regional Minister, Amoakohene addressed the "young leader’s tag" and the skepticism faced by youth in governance. He advocated for legislative reform to mandate youth quotas in government, ensuring that young people have a legal right to participate in nation-building.
Minister for Information
Addressing the complexities of public service, she urged young leaders to build specialized capacity to break professional barriers, emphasizing that expertise is the most effective tool for overcoming marginalization.
The Board Chair emphasized that making agriculture attractive to the youth is an issue of national security, necessary to absorb graduate unemployment and ensure social stability.
The VODEC Africa Idea Challenge – Empowering the Next Generation of Job Creators.
During the forum, 10 outstanding young entrepreneurs were awarded support packages totaling GH₵120,000 following a nationwide competition. Daniel Asomani noted that these winners represent the “blueprints for transformation” for the Africa we dream of.
Standalone Success Stories from the 2025 Pitch Event
Code Club Academy (Smart VI Attach): Developed wearable navigation technology for the visually impaired.
Biowax Ghana Ltd: Producers of organic edible wax to reduce post-harvest losses and preserve perishables.
Wobil Technologies Ltd: Innovators of solar-powered rice threshers and husk recycling solutions.
Kalenda Designs: Manufacturers of high-end furniture created from discarded tires to address pollution.
Honorable Kennedy Agyapong