by Janat Issifu, Founder and CEO of WAN-Hive Ghana, Ghana
My Journey Since AGYLE
Participating in the AGYLE program has been transformative for me, strengthening my leadership, expanding my network, and enhancing the impact of my work. Since the program, I have implemented several innovative initiatives at WAN-Hive Ghana inspired by AGYLE's emphasis on sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
I established Addiz Creatives, a fashion-focused initiative that provides young women with vocational and entrepreneurial skills in garment design and production, creating pathways to self-employment and financial independence. Additionally, WAN-Hive Multimedia equips young people with digital media and creative skills such as photography, videography, and printing, enabling them to explore opportunities in the growing creative economy.
My leadership has also been recognized beyond WAN-Hive Ghana. I currently serve as a Member of the Governing Council of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), contributing to strategic decision-making that strengthens university–industry linkages and youth development.
Since AGYLE, I have received the Princess Carla Award for empowering women in agribusiness and the Outstanding Community Impact Award in Skills Development and Education at the CENBA Africa Business Excellence Awards. These achievements reflect how AGYLE has refined my global outlook and positioned me to drive inclusive innovation and women's empowerment in Ghana and beyond.
How AGYLE Shaped My Work
AGYLE significantly influenced my leadership by deepening my appreciation for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Inspired by the program's focus on entrepreneurial transformation, I launched Addiz Creatives and WAN-Hive Multimedia to provide young women and youth with skills that enhance employability and create economic opportunities.
The exposure from AGYLE strengthened my capacity to forge meaningful partnerships and approach leadership with a global mindset, which I now apply in my role as Global Alumni Chairperson of UENR. Overall, AGYLE reshaped how I build programs, focusing more on inclusion, impact, and long-term sustainability.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Collaboration
I would love to explore an AGYLE Women in Green Innovation Exchange, a collaborative initiative connecting young African and German entrepreneurs driving climate-smart, circular, and creative economy solutions. The platform would enable cross-learning, mentorship, and co-creation of projects that empower women and youth to build sustainable enterprises in agritech, fashion upcycling, and digital innovation.
Participants could pilot joint ventures, access investment opportunities, and showcase impact stories from both continents. This would strengthen AGYLE's legacy of fostering inclusive entrepreneurship while positioning our community as a model for green and gender-responsive innovation across Africa and Europe.
