It is obvious that, developing an innovative idea is the best way to ensure the success of every nation hence, the importance of National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) in the lives of innovators.
Per the explanation given during an interview by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, the Ghanaian youth with initiatives have a brighter future through NEIP support.
He revealed that, unlike the other agencies, it is the responsibility of NEIP to provide resources, training, business development services, capacity building, mentoring, funding, and access to market to anyone who would come out with his or her own innovation.
Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah emphasised that, even though the work of NEIP, Ghana Enterprise Agency, and Youth Employment Programme seems to be similar but, NEIP’s main objective is focused on innovation because, that is scalable and has the potential to grow.
“If you are in the High school, University or you are Technology inclined person or you have something which is innovation related and you need entrepreneurial support to help take your product to the market, then come to National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, where we provide integrated support for Startups and small business “.
He stressed that, the innovation and start-up ecosystem of NEIP is different from the MSME ecosystem, requiring a tailor-made framework to make a meaningful impact in the innovation space
An innovative ideas Mr. Ofosu Nkansah disclosed, is what have made the like of Asians, Americans to be where they are now through the innovations of Facebook, Instagram, LG, Samsung and others.
Mr. Nkansah revealed that, over 100,000 jobs through NEIP’s various initiatives, including the Presidential Pitch, High School Innovative Contest, National Innovation Contest, and other initiatives aimed at providing support to start-ups businesses to grow have been created since the inception of the program.
He said one of the achievements and legacy to leave behind has to do with the establishment of an act to regulate the programme.
The NEIP Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah mentioned, is currently working on an act called the Ghana Innovation and Startup Act to regulate the program to ensure its sustainability and stand the test of time.
“Another area of interest is to help Ghana register their innovative ideas and patents at the World Intellectual Property Organization, like the Asians, the Japanese, and the Americans are doing, so that anywhere in the world if that idea is developed, the inventor will gain financial benefits”.
NEIP programme he indicated, is being supported by government of Ghana through grants and beneficiaries are not to pay back but, they are to ensure that the businesses grows to give employment to Ghanaians.
The National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP) is a flagship policy initiative by the Government of Ghana.
It’s primary objective is to provide an integrated national support for start-ups and small businesses with the primarily focuses on providing business development services; startup incubators and funding for young businesses to enable them grow and become successful.
