Ghanaian Entrepreneur Fareeda Mustapha Challenges President Kagame to Unlock Youth Jobs via Agri-Food Innovation

Fareeda Mustapha, a 24-year-old Ghanaian entrepreneur and CEO of PureLube, took center stage at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) held from September 1-4, 2026, to advocate for the transformative power of agriculture in tackling youth unemployment. During a high-level dialogue with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Mustapha highlighted the immense potential within the agri-food sector while calling for urgent policy reforms to support young innovators. Her appeal centered on the need for governments to move beyond rhetoric and establish concrete frameworks that facilitate easier access to agricultural financing for the youth.

Mustapha’s advocacy is backed by the success of her own venture, PureLube, which she founded in 2024. The company serves as a model for local value addition by transforming cashew waste into high-performance industrial lubricants. To date, PureLube has created 23 direct jobs and collaborates with a network of 3,000 farmers, demonstrating how agricultural waste can be repurposed into a viable industrial product. By showcasing this practical impact, Mustapha underscored that young people are not merely seeking employment but are capable of creating industrial-scale solutions if provided with the right environment.

Responding to Mustapha’s concerns, President Paul Kagame emphasized the necessity of de-risking agricultural investments to make the sector more attractive to both lenders and young entrepreneurs. He advocated for the development of robust mechanisms that provide a safety net for those entering the agri-food space, acknowledging that financial barriers remain a significant hurdle for many. The exchange highlighted a growing recognition among African leaders that the continent's food systems must be modernized to serve as a primary engine for economic growth and job creation for the surging youth population.

The 2026 forum also featured significant representation from Ghana, including Deputy Minister John Dumelo and Dr. Betty Annan, the AGRA Ghana Country Director. Dr. Annan expressed optimism regarding Ghana's future participation in food system improvements, noting that the forum provided a vital platform for young agripreneurs to connect with global investors. As the forum concluded, the consensus remained clear: for Africa to achieve food security and economic stability, its governments must prioritize the integration of youth-led innovation into national agricultural strategies.