UESD hosts Nkabom conference to drive 55,000 youth jobs by 2030

The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has hosted the "Nkabom Collaborative and Student Networking" event in Somanya. This initiative is a central component of a decade-long project designed to empower 55,000 young Ghanaians—with a specific focus on women and vulnerable groups—to secure fulfilling employment by the year 2030. The conference served as a platform for students to demonstrate innovative solutions to pressing environmental and economic challenges within the Eastern Region and beyond.

During the event, students showcased more than 17 distinct projects that centered on sustainable agro-waste management and aquaculture technologies. These presentations highlighted practical applications of academic research, focusing on the potential of the fisheries sector and post-harvest waste management to generate new livelihoods. By transforming agricultural waste into viable economic opportunities, the program seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial needs, ensuring that graduates possess marketable skills for the green economy.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Richard Amfo-Otu encouraged the students to leverage the new connections and perspectives gained during the sessions. He emphasized that the collaboration between academia and industry partners is essential for fostering an environment where youth can thrive. The "Nkabom" initiative reflects a multi-university effort to align educational outcomes with the demands of the modern job market, providing students with the networking opportunities necessary to navigate their early careers.

As the 10-year project progresses, the UESD and its partners aim to solidify Somanya as a hub for sustainable vocational innovation. The success of these networking events is expected to provide a blueprint for how Ghanaian universities can integrate career development with environmental stewardship. This long-term commitment by the Mastercard Foundation and UESD underscores a strategic shift toward practical, sector-specific job creation for the next generation of Ghanaian professionals.