The University of Ghana (UG), in partnership with the University of Westminster (UK) and University of Ilorin (Nigeria), have launched the African Entrepreneurship Competition (AEC), an innovative programme that brings together students from three countries to co-create entrepreneurial solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Funded by TLG Capital, an Africa-focused investment firm co-founded by University of Westminster alumnus Zain Latif, the competition aims to nurture the next generation of African entrepreneurs by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, mentorship and networks and experience to develop sustainable, locally driven solutions with global relevance. The focus of the initiative is a shift from externally imposed models to achieve effective, context-driven outcomes fit for purpose.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by the partner universities to strengthen collaboration between African and British higher education institutions. while fostering innovative solutions based on contextual realities. The programme empowers students to identify challenges within their own communities and develop practical, scalable solutions through cross-border collaboration.
The competition brings together 18 multidisciplinary teams, each comprising students from the three partner institutions. Working across borders and cultures, participants will research, design and pitch innovative ventures addressing critical issues such as financial inclusion, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, sanitation, poverty alleviation and other priority development challenges.
Proposed projects are expected to align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the programme’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible innovation. Throughout the competition, participants will engage in a series of structured workshops covering entrepreneurship, business model development, innovation, branding, marketing, teamwork and investor pitching. Each team will also receive guidance from experienced academic and industry mentors who will support them throughout the programme.
The competition will culminate in a hybrid grand finale later this year, where shortlisted teams will pitch business ideas before a panel of judges for the opportunity to receive recognition and further support for their ventures.
The initiative also demonstrates the value of collaboration between academia and the private sector in developing entrepreneurial talent and strengthening innovation ecosystems across Africa. Through TLG Capital’s support, students gain valuable exposure to investment thinking and real-world business practices, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and enterprise development.
The University of Ghana remains committed to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships that contribute to sustainable development, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to society. The African Entrepreneurship competition is expected to strengthen institutional collaboration between Ghana, Nigeria and the United Kingdom and create viable pathways for young innovators across the continent.