VC receives Fihankra ComTech Ltd. Team, Winners of the African Youth in Tourism Innovation Award
Fihankra ComTech Limited, winners of the Best Youth Innovation Award at the 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, held in Botswana, have presented the award to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
The team, one of the winning startups from UG’s inaugural Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP) developed and piloted a safety platform with support from the University of Ghana Business School’s Innovation and Incubation Hub (UGBS-IIU) and the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID). They were recognised for their innovative approach to creating affordable personal security and safety solutions, products, services and training tailored to address the unique challenges faced in various regions.
Their project which focuses on enhancing safety in tourism through tech-driven solutions, stood out in the competition after it was presented to the adjudication committee. Fihankra ComTech Ltd. was selected from over 153 applications from 10 African Countries submitted to the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge.
Prof. Amfo stated her excitement noting that this achievement enhances the growing reputation of the UG Innovation Hub as a centre for transformative startups. “This achievement deserves to be celebrated and shared with the world. We are well known for our research and teaching; it is time that we project our innovation and entrepreneurship as well”, she said.
She also reiterated the commitment of the University Leadership to continually supporting Fihankra ComTech and other promising ventures emerging from innovation hubs.
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development (RID), Prof. Felix A. Asante, highlighted the broader efforts underway at the University to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. "We are working to establish more specialised innovation hubs across our colleges and faculties so that students and faculty from all disciplines can turn their ideas into viable ventures," he stated.
Prof. Asante expressed confidence that Fihankra’s success story would inspire more students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Dean of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Justice Bawole, who led the team, acknowledged the support from the Vice-Chancellor and the UGBS Innovation Hub, emphasising the role of the Vice-Chancellor in the team's success.
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Joseph Owiredu, expressed appreciation for the University's commitment to fostering student entrepreneurship and innovation, adding that the guidance and resources provided by the Innovation Hub have been instrumental in their journey and success.
Other members of the Fihankra ComTech Ltd. team who were present at the meeting were Ms. Sharon Addoquaye Tagoe, Public Relations Officer and Mr. Kelvin Abrokwa Mante, Business Intelligence and Analytics Manager.
In attendance were, Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate; Mrs. Mammie Nortey, Senior Research Development Officer, RID and Mr. Jackson Nyarko Appiagyei, Event Lead, UGBS, Innovation and Incubation Hub
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge offers young innovators and entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism sectors a platform to showcase their ideas to global investors and mentors. The 2024 challenge, which began accepting entries in November 2023, drew submissions from countries across Africa, including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Winners of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge received cash prizes, complimentary United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) short courses, mentorship, potential funding opportunities and career development support. They also gained membership in an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators.