Destina Mensah, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, completed the UNITAR digital skills program, launching a healthy cereal business that revives traditional cuisine. Her training improved her project management and pitching abilities, allowing her to enhance nutritional access in Ghana while preserving cultural heritage. The program, funded by Japan, empowered women and youth across 24 African nations.
Destina Mensah, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, completed the UNITAR program “Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa” in March 2024. Inspired by traditional Ghanaian cuisine, she founded a cereal business that emphasizes nutrition and cultural heritage. The UNITAR training equipped her with project management, pitching, and digital literacy skills, facilitating her business’s growth. Funded by the Government of Japan, this initiative helped empower 7,000 women and youth across 24 African nations from November 2023 to March 2024.
Destina’s goal is to enhance nutrition access while preserving Ghana’s culinary legacy through her healthy cereal product based on the traditional breakfast dish, Tom Brown. With the support of the UNITAR program, she has successfully redefined flavors and improved recipes, aiming to create job opportunities for youth. Destina’s application process helped clarify her business vision, setting her on the path toward her entrepreneurial aspirations.
The UNITAR program focused on providing free digital skills training to enhance employability among African women and youth in a digital economy. It consisted of online courses, self-led projects, and a virtual boot camp for selected participants. Destina participated in the Microsoft track, where she developed vital skills in resilience and teamwork, benefiting from targeted support from UNITAR and partnering organizations.
Through the training, Destina learned valuable business skills, including assessing startup potential and crafting investor pitches. These skills proved crucial for her participation in exhibitions, where capturing attention quickly is essential. By learning to utilize AI for market prediction and planning, she significantly improved her business operations and customer satisfaction.
In addition to her business growth, the UNITAR program allowed Destina to connect with fellow young entrepreneurs, fostering a focus on community development. Her entrepreneurial vision includes introducing free breakfast packages at events, raising awareness about nutrition and her products. She is also working on establishing a network of young entrepreneurs in Ghana for collaboration and mutual support.
Destina aims to expand her product distribution internationally, potentially collaborating with fellow UNITAR alumni. She urges aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on continual learning and skill enhancement, emphasizing the importance of education in business operations. Technology is critical in today’s landscape; familiarity with basic programs is necessary to attract investors and maintain records effectively.
For young entrepreneurs, especially women, Destina stresses the importance of writing down the purpose and vision behind their ventures. This foundational work will help clarify motivation, guiding them through challenges. For Destina, her passion lies in promoting good nutrition and witnessing the positive impact on people’s lives.
In summary, Destina Mensah’s journey as a Ghanaian entrepreneur illustrates the significance of education and digital skills in developing viable businesses. Through the UNITAR program, she acquired the necessary tools to create a sustainable business model that honors her cultural heritage while improving community nutrition. Her commitment to ongoing learning and technology adoption showcases the potential for young entrepreneurs to thrive in a modern economy.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
