The Bridge-In Agriculture Job Fair held Thursday at Maranatha University, brought together agribusiness enthusiasts, small- and medium-scale enterprise (SME) owners, and job seekers for a day of mentorship, networking, and hands-on learning.

Opening the event, facilitators encouraged participants to maintain high energy, promising that by the end of the day many would have interviews scheduled, mentorship secured, and new business concepts in hand. “This is not just going to be a talk—you and I are going to work together to make sure this becomes a game-changer,” the facilitator said.

The program began with inspirational stories before participants broke into interactive sessions to gain practical knowledge. The Opportunity Matching Forum later in the day created direct engagement between job seekers and SMEs.

Speakers and Breakout Sessions

Miss Sara Aidoo, founder of Jiraa Local Rice Company, urged participants to be interactive: “We produce rice locally, and during the breakout session I’ll be helping SMEs and MSEs share knowledge and strategies.”

Entrepreneurial coach Mr. Timothy Djan emphasised the power of networking: “The solution you need is probably sitting next to you. Customers, raw materials, and partners can all be found in the room if you build relationships.”

HR consultant Madam Zion Serwaa Boateng offered guidance on professional branding: “We will align your agribusiness knowledge with HR expertise. It’s about creating a strong image, leveraging relationships—including on social media—to position yourselves for the job market.”

 Partners Empower Young Entrepreneurs

A representative from Access Bank urged young professionals to formalize their businesses. “Have an account in your business’s name and run it well,” the representative advised. “When opportunities arise, being prepared financially makes it easier to access support.”

From Success Africa Foundation, Albert Kusi inspired participants to see the event as a springboard: “What you are being presented with today is opportunity. Learn how to sell, because no one can sell your product better than you. Apply yourself, use the mentors and resources here, and walk out as entrepreneurs ready to grow your businesses.”

A Pathway for Agribusiness Growth

The event underscored the urgent need for practical skills, entrepreneurship, and relationship-building in Ghana’s agricultural sector. By connecting SMEs, job seekers, and financial partners, the Bridge-In Agriculture Job Fair demonstrated how collaboration and preparation can open doors to sustainable employment and business growth.

Source: Rachel Sarpong, GWMA- ISD