The Student Representative Council in collaboration with the school of business held the second edition of Africa’s Biggest Idea Challenge themed “Growing Ghana Beyond Aid Through Enterprise Development: Student Entrepreneurship in Focus.” 100 contestants who pitched their business ideas were downlisted to 11 finalists. Through the program the students were inspired and helped to take their business idea to the next level.

Scoring judges of the competition were Mr. Philip Brobbey, C.E.O. of Phibro Group, Chairman of Judges; Dr. Edward Nii Amar Amarteifio, Head of UCC Business Incubator;

Mr. Albert Kusi C.E.O. of HMI and Mary Ama Bawa, Broadcast Journalist (ATL FM).

Mr. Dennis Appiah Larbi Ampofo, CEO of AfriCup who originally came up with the idea of Africa’s Biggest Idea Challenge also spoke. He explained that his intention was to launch a project that would assist student entrepreneurs to develop their potentials and indirectly affect the country. He told the students present not to hesitate to tap into the resources made available to them by the Student Representative Council. He encouraged them saying “Building Ghana beyond aid is possible only if we put our work into it.”

The SRC President, Mr. Christopher E. Dadson addressed the participants of the event. He explained that the Africa’s Biggest Idea Challenge seeks to identify and cultivate innovation. He emphasized the importance of making the country self-reliant and that UCC and Africa’s Biggest Challenge are part of these efforts.

Representative of VC, chair at the event, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, Associate Professor in finance and entrepreneurship, school of business in his speech ensured that UCC would continue providing the enabling environment to students and staff to showcase their innovative skills and ideas through programs such as this. He reminded the audience that when the Vice-Chancellor resumed office, his vision was to make the University of Cape Coast an entrepreneurial University. University of Cape Coast is committed to partnership so that students who are interested in entrepreneurship can always get the needed support. One guarantee of that is the Business and Enterprise Development Policy and the Entrepreneurship policy, which is being drafted.

Hon. Dr. John Kuma, MP for Ejisu, Deputy Finance Minister gave a keynote speech. As a UCC alumni he expressed his pride for UCC’s achievements. He said that the youth constitute of true wealth and future of the country. “Addressing their hopes and aspiration must be an integral part of our socio-economic development and efforts. ” He reminded that the National Youth Policy of Ghana provides the opportunity of government engagement with the youth and other stakeholders in meaningful partnership to develop corporate innovations and service for youth empowerment.

Honorable John Ghartey, MP of Essikado-Ketan Constituency gave a speech.  He talked about his roots as a student entrepreneur. He inspired the listeners with the story about his humble beginnings and hard work. He encouraged the participants of the competition to move forward determined. He said that the country needs entrepreneurs to take the country forward. He had high hopes on the students and expressed his willingness to sponsor the next edition of the competition.

The Winner of the competition was Sartom Insectary, a company which sells insect-based animal feed. All the finalists also received business advisory services and support.