Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Innovation Hubs in East Africa: A Ghanaian Perspective

The East African region is experiencing rapid economic growth, particularly in Ghana where entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation hubs are emerging as significant drivers of development. A qualitative approach was employed, involving interviews with stakeholders from various sectors including government agencies, private sector enterprises, and academic institutions to gather insights on the current landscape of entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation hubs in Ghana. Interviews revealed a significant increase (25%) in startup activity within proximity of established innovation hubs over the past five years. Stakeholders identified mentorship programmes and access to funding as critical success factors for these initiatives. Entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation hubs are instrumental in catalyzing entrepreneurial activities and fostering innovation in Ghana, particularly among young entrepreneurs. Policymakers should prioritise the development of comprehensive support systems that include mentorship programmes, access to funding opportunities, and networking platforms for startups. Enhanced collaboration between government and private sector entities is also recommended.