Horticulture Business Challenge.
A practical youth employment and business support initiative connecting young talent with real opportunities in Ghana's horticulture sector.
Equipping young talent to solve real business challenges.
The Horticulture Business Challenge is a practical youth employment and business support initiative under GNBCC's Private Sector Development Programme, supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Ghana.
The programme connects tertiary students, recent graduates and young entrepreneurs with horticulture and agribusiness companies to work on real business challenges while gaining hands-on industry experience.
Since its launch in 2023, HBC has evolved from a 10-day innovation challenge into a two-month internship model where participants work directly with companies to develop, test and implement practical solutions.
Ghana's horticulture sector holds strong potential for job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agribusiness. Many young people lack practical work experience, while many companies need extra capacity. HBC bridges that gap by placing young talent inside businesses on real assignments that create value for both sides.
Real value for talent and for companies.
HBC supports both young people and horticulture companies with practical, real-world business assignments.
Build skills that open doors.
- Gain practical industry experience on live business challenges.
- Work directly with leading horticulture and agribusiness companies.
- Build professional skills, sector exposure and working networks.
- Improve employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Fresh ideas, practical support.
- Receive support with market research, packaging and product development.
- Strengthen digital visibility, social media and market entry.
- Improve business systems and operational processes.
- Access motivated young talent with fresh perspectives.
Practical experiences that prepare young people for real sector work.
From live challenges to company placements, every activity is designed to build confidence, capability and connection.
Participants finish the programme with a real company reference, a portfolio of work and a professional network.
Results that speak for themselves.
Since 2023 HBC has trained young professionals, supported companies and created lasting connections — and the numbers keep growing.
Dutch company Winter Food Trade exported its first 40-foot container of onions to Ghana after market entry support through HBC.
Participants supported product development including cashew apple juice, cashew flour, cashew-based spices and chocolate granola bars.
An online farm activity tracker was developed to help farmers with monitoring, maintenance scheduling and reporting.
Building a stronger horticulture ecosystem.
HBC is powered by GNBCC's Private Sector Development Programme and aligns with the priorities of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Ghana, particularly youth employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable agribusiness development.
HBC alumni creating impact beyond the programme.
HBC graduates become part of a growing alumni community connected to Ghana's horticulture and agribusiness ecosystem — with access to networks, referrals, learning and future GNBCC initiatives.
Joyce Inkoom
"Through HBC, I gained valuable insights in sustainable agriculture. The connections I made have been instrumental in shaping my business model and approach to climate-smart agriculture."
Benjamin Bannor
"The HBC program deepened my understanding of the agricultural value chain and inspired me to pursue opportunities in crop production."
Benjamin Agamah
"HBC connected me with experts in sustainable agriculture and fueled my mission to educate farmers on improved agricultural practices."
Meet the HBC participants building sector solutions.
Get to know the young professionals currently working with horticulture and agribusiness companies across Ghana.
Benjamin Kwame Kwaitoo
Petrochemical Engineering graduate skilled in international trade, B2B marketing and sales, with experience marketing Ghanaian produce for export.
LinkedIn
Sarah Ama Kyereh
MPhil student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a focus on workplace culture, employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.
LinkedIn
Nana Kofi Afriyie Sarpong
Founder and CEO of Merdeo Foods, leading climate-smart innovations that reduce post-harvest loss and support smallholder farmers.
LinkedIn
Beauty Kwapong
Food and Agro-Processing graduate from the University of Cape Coast with a passion for food science, technology and process innovation.
LinkedInRevisit previous HBC cohorts.
Keep the current-year participants on the main page, then use these year cards to link to older cohort pages or recap posts.
Organisations supporting horticulture talent.
HBC partners with horticulture and agribusiness companies seeking fresh ideas and practical support. Companies submit business cases and are matched with young professionals ready to deliver.