On Friday, 11th October, a delegation from the World Bank, led by Kennedy Fosu, External Affairs representative, and the Country director of the World Bank, Robert Taliercio O’Brien along with Franklin Karikari, Director of Business Support at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), conducted a periodic check-up on operations at the African Business Bureau Hub in Ghana. This visit was part of the ongoing support provided by the World Bank to private hubs across the country aimed at nurturing startups and fostering economic growth.

The World Bank has made significant investments in the establishment of private hubs to offer startups the necessary space and resources to grow. Of the 115 innovation hubs operating across Ghana, the NEIP supports 30, while a total of 45 hubs are financed by the World Bank. These hubs play a vital role in the country’s economic transformation, creating a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.























One key highlight is the contribution of these hubs to women-led startups, with approximately 50 women leading various initiatives. So far, the hubs have been instrumental in the creation of 1,200 jobs. Through training programs and investments, the hubs continue to offer essential support to startups. Additionally, several financial institutions, including Absa Bank, First National Bank (FNB), and Fidelity Bank, provide loans to these startups at a competitive 10% interest rate.
Notably, the hubs have also fostered peer-to-peer employment among participants, amplifying the impact of their training programs. Some participants from the Anchor Business Incubator program shared their success stories, further showcasing the transformative potential of the Ghana Economic Transformation Project. This periodic review emphasized the importance of these hubs in contributing to job creation, entrepreneurial growth and economic transformation in Ghana.