Accra: Some 10 young graduates have begun their journey towards building careers in the venture capital/private equity ecosystem under the Venture Capital Analysts Programme (VCAP). The graduates, who are the third cohort under the programme, are to undergo a year-long intensive training, which entails a one-week orientation, six-month intensive classroom session, and another six months practical attachment, coaching and mentorship sessions.

According to Ghana News Agency, the programme is a World Bank funded initiative under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP), administered by the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF), a government-backed entity. At the beginning of a one-week orientation module for trainees, Mr. Michael Abbey, the Chief Executive Officer of VCTF, highlighted the transformative potential of the venture capital/private equity ecosystem for Ghana’s economic development. He emphasized that pursuing a career in this field offers an opportunity to significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Mr. Abbey expressed his hopes for the future, stating, “I would be so very much happy if looking back many years from here, where we talk about the big investment deals in Ghana, those who are involved in structuring the deals, those who are involved in top-notch investment analysis, it would be guys from here.” He assured that the Trust Fund is committed to providing the necessary resources and expertise to ensure the trainees’ success.

Mr. Tahir Mahmoud, Specialist for Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) growth, GETP, stated that the intensive training aims to prepare trainees for a challenging but rewarding industry. He encouraged them to be analytical, open-minded, precision-minded, and adaptable to the industry’s culture and ethics.

Mr. Prince Nketiah, an investment analyst and beneficiary of VCAP, advised the trainees to work collaboratively, remain engaged, and build a strong network of contacts within the industry. VCAP, initially introduced in 2016 and reintroduced in 2023, serves as a platform for fresh graduates passionate about pursuing careers in venture capital or private equity. The programme is structured to offer participants practical skills required for the industry by learning and working with staff at VCTF and other partners.

It is expected that VCAP will cultivate a network of professionals capable of sourcing investments and managing private equities and venture capital funds in Ghana and across Africa.