Title:
The Realities of Entrepreneurship in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations

Authors:
Ogochukwu C. Nweke, Yaw Appiah, Emmanuel K. A. Appiah, Ghana

Abstract:

In African countries such as Ghana, with a greater youthful population, youth entrepreneurship becomes an innovative approach to reducing unemployment, crime, and brain drain, and contributes to the overall gross domestic product (GDP) and socioeconomic development. It is therefore significant to understand the realities that influence entrepreneurship among the youth. This study, therefore, explored the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Ghana by focusing specifically on youth engaged in Agri-business. The study employed the qualitative approach and the phenomenological design. Data was gathered from 21 youth participants and 4 key informants. The key challenges of youth entrepreneurship observed in this study include limited access to finance & capital constraints, infrastructure and technological limitations, limited market access and price volatility, gaps in policy and institutional support, and skills and knowledge gaps. The study, however, observed emerging opportunities such as market demand and value chain opportunities, technological advancements and innovations, support programmes and mentorship, and personal motivations and entrepreneurial initiative. The study recommends that the government of Ghana and other stakeholders develop and execute strategies that will make credit facilities for young entrepreneurs more flexible and affordable, and improved road networks, irrigation channels, power, and storage would boost production, provide a ready market and stable prices for good produced by youth entrepreneurs, and provide training and workshops to bridge gaps in skills and knowledge. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2026.10416