SHERIF GHALI
Invite Me to Speak

Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE)

A non-profit chamber that unites, engages and promotes the businesses and innovations of young entrepreneurs in Ghana. Founded in 2015, it now has more than 19,000 members.

The challenge

Young entrepreneurs in Ghana needed an organised voice and practical support. The European Union has described the barriers facing young and women-led businesses as limited access to funding, technical expertise and market opportunities. The Chamber was founded to unite, engage and promote the businesses and innovations of young entrepreneurs in Ghana.

My role

I founded the Chamber in 2015 with 15 entrepreneurs and served as its Chief Executive Officer for ten years, until 1 September 2026. In that role I provided strategic leadership for its work on enterprise development, policy advocacy, access to finance and capacity development. I now chair its Governing Council. The Chamber’s results below belong to the institution, its secretariat, members and partners, not to one person.

What the Chamber did

  • Registered in 2016 and joined the Private Enterprise Federation in 2017.
  • Ran more than 100 training seminars across the country.
  • Launched the Young Female Entrepreneurs Programme (YoFEP) in June 2023, backed by Development Bank Ghana, WUSC Ghana and GIZ Ghana.
  • Launched the Young Entrepreneurs and Start-ups Support Fund (YESS Fund) in September 2023 with the European Union and SNV Ghana.
  • Opened yecSpace, a co-working facility, in 2024.
  • Held the National Young Entrepreneurs Summit, Expo and Awards each year, most recently the fifth edition in Tamale in October 2025.
  • Developed the National Business Agenda with technical support from the Investment Climate Reform Facility. It was launched in June 2025 after research with more than 100 entrepreneurs and 60 ecosystem stakeholders.
  • Agreed closer collaboration with the European Union in February 2025 on the policy environment for youth and women in business.

Results and progress

As reported on 1 September 2026, when I stepped down as CEO, the Chamber’s record over its first ten years was:

  • More than 19,000 members.
  • Business development services delivered to more than 4,000 entrepreneurs.
  • More than 200 youth-led businesses funded.
  • More than GHS 10 million mobilised for youth programmes.

These are the Chamber’s collective figures, reported by MyJoyOnline, and cover the Chamber’s whole programme of work rather than any single project.

Evidence and sources

More case studies

All work & impact

Policy Advocacy

Ghana Innovation & Startup Bill (GISB)

A multi-stakeholder effort, convened by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), to draft a legal framework for start-ups and innovation in Ghana.

My roleOn the technical committee since its inauguration in October 2020, first as coordinator representing the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs and now as Co-Chair, alongside Franklin Owusu-Karikari of NEIP.

EvidenceGraphic Online: NEIP initiates moves to draft a Ghana Start-up Act (30 October 2020) (opens in a new tab)

Read the case study

Entrepreneurial Support

YESS Fund (Young Entrepreneurs and Start-ups Support Fund)

A GH¢3 million member-contribution fund launched by the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs in September 2023 with the European Union and SNV Ghana, to widen young entrepreneurs’ access to finance.

My roleCEO of the Chamber when the Fund was developed and launched. Presented the Fund at the launch and called on partners to join.

EvidenceGhana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs: GH¢3 million Young Entrepreneurs and Start-ups Support Fund launched (7 September 2023) (opens in a new tab)

Read the case study

Let’s Work on Something That Matters.

For speaking invitations, policy advisory engagements, institutional partnerships and media enquiries, please get in touch.

Get in Touch Invite Me to Speak