Stanbic Incubator, JA Ghana and Boxplay Champion Youth Enterprise Development
The Stanbic Bank Incubator, in partnership with Boxplay Venture and Junior Achievement (JA) Ghana, successfully delivered the third edition of its flagship 2025 entrepreneurship programme Back to Basics (B2B).
Held under the theme ‘Building the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Leveraging Opportunities for Growth,’ this year’s edition built on the momentum of last year’s success. It brought together a dynamic mix of aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, and students from across the Greater Accra Region. The programme served as a vibrant platform for idea exchange, practical learning, and meaningful networking, empowering participants with the tools and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
The forum, which forms part of Stanbic Bank’s broader agenda to promote youth-driven enterprise, was designed to equip participants with foundational business skills and expose them to Ghana’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The program also had four MBA students from Columbia University on a capstone project in Ghana. The students shared their experience in Ghana and brought their international perspective to the discussions and interaction
In an interview after the event, the Manager of the Stanbic Bank Incubator, Mr. Hamza Mumuni, emphasized the importance of grounding young entrepreneurs in the fundamentals of business management. “This programme is a core part of our enterprise development strategy. We believe that nurturing future business leaders starts with giving them the right tools at an early stage. Through Back to Basics, we help participants understand the business environment, develop entrepreneurial mindsets, and build the networks needed to thrive,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is not just about knowledge transfer but also about creating a shift in how young people perceive entrepreneurship. “It’s about mental positioning. Most of the young people we engage have brilliant ideas but lack clarity on the next steps. This program introduces them to the ecosystem of support, mentors, hubs, and innovators that they can tap into. It’s foundational, and it aligns with our goal to develop business leaders who can scale sustainably.”
Mr. Mumuni also urged the youth to remain focused and take full advantage of platforms that offer support and mentorship. “They must be willing to learn and apply those lessons in real time. The journey is not easy, but with the right guidance and connections, success is possible.”
Founder of Boxplay Venture, Mr. Daniel Kwaku Merki, also shared insights into the inspiration behind the program. According to him, his experience as a startup investor exposed him to the gaps within the local ecosystem. “We realized that building successful startups isn’t just about funding or having a great idea. You need the entire ecosystem, freelancers, mentors, technical experts, and ambitious young people who are eager to learn. That’s what Back to Basics aims to provide: a space where people can learn from those who have walked the path and better understand what it truly takes to run a business,” he stated.
Mr. Merki further encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt a mindset of humility and continuous learning. “Being humble doesn’t mean you lack ambition. It means recognizing that you don’t know everything and being open to learning from the market and your customers. That’s how real growth happens.”
On his part, Mr. Abeiku Greene, Executive Director of JA Ghana, commended Stanbic Bank for its consistent support for youth entrepreneurship and praised the collaborative spirit that has defined the Back-to-Basics initiative.
“Our mission at JA Ghana is to empower young people to build meaningful careers and businesses. Stanbic Bank has been a natural partner in this effort. Their dedication to helping startups grow, through hackathons, incubator programs, and hands-on training, is commendable. It’s refreshing to work with an institution that believes in long-term impact,” he noted.
Participants at the event engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions focused on practical business development strategies, personal branding, and leveraging technology for growth. Many expressed gratitude for the insights gained and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and seasoned entrepreneurs.
The next edition of the program which is slated for the last Friday of June, is expected to expand its reach to many more entrepreneurs in the country.
Picture: Hamza Mumuni, Manager, Incubator, Enterprise Banking - Stanbic Bank Ghana