In Africa, agriculture is more than a livelihood; it is the backbone of economies and the foundation of food security. Yet, women, who constitute a large portion of the agricultural workforce, are often marginalized, facing limited access to land, finance, training, and markets. Into this gap steps Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah, a Ghanaian social entrepreneur whose vision, determination, and leadership are transforming the continent’s agribusiness landscape and empowering thousands of women to thrive.
Born in Ghana in 1988, Nana Adjoa’s journey to influence began with a deep curiosity about human potential. She studied Psychology at the University of Ghana, Legon, gaining insight into behavior, motivation, and leadership. Her academic foundation shaped her innovative approach to social entrepreneurship, giving her the insight to understand the challenges women face in agriculture and the vision to equip them to overcome those barriers. She also enhanced her expertise as a certified social entrepreneur at the International Institute of Social Entrepreneurs, acquiring practical tools to tackle complex social and economic problems.
Before reaching the pinnacle of her career, Nana Adjoa honed her skills in both nonprofit and business sectors. Between 2012 and 2015, she served as President of the Direct Impact Foundation, focusing on bridging educational disparities between rural and urban communities in Ghana. During this period, she learned the power of mentorship, strategic planning, and community mobilization. She also co-founded Yo!Gate Foods, a venture promoting African culinary products in West Africa. These early experiences not only exposed her to entrepreneurial challenges but also cemented her belief that sustainable solutions required empowering women at every level of the value chain.
In 2015, fueled by her vision for women-led economic transformation, Nana Adjoa launched Guzakuza, a pan-African social enterprise dedicated to helping women succeed in agribusiness. Guzakuza is not merely a training program; it is a comprehensive ecosystem providing mentorship, skill-building, financing guidance, and market access. Through initiatives like the African Women in Agribusiness Fellowship (Ignite), Women in Agribusiness Week, SheFarms, MentorHer, and the African Women in Agribusiness Awards, Guzakuza has reached thousands of women across more than 30 African countries and the diaspora, enabling them to build profitable, sustainable businesses while strengthening local food systems.
Nana Adjoa’s influence extends beyond grassroots initiatives. She serves on the UN Women’s Economic Empowerment Reference Group and regularly contributes to global forums, including the G20 and African Union events. In these spaces, she advocates for gender-inclusive agricultural policies, emphasizing the critical role of women in driving economic growth, food security, and sustainable development. Her voice is not only persuasive but practical, bridging the gap between policy and the real challenges women farmers and entrepreneurs face every day.
Her impact has been widely recognized. Nana Adjoa has received accolades such as the Africa 40 Under 40 Agribusiness Award, celebrating her leadership and measurable results in agribusiness empowerment. Yet, beyond awards and titles, her true legacy lies in the lives she has transformed. Each woman supported through Guzakuza represents a ripple of change, with families uplifted, communities strengthened, and Africa’s agricultural sector reimagined.
At its core, Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah’s work is about more than agriculture; it is about breaking barriers, sowing opportunity, and cultivating a future where women lead the transformation of African economies. She is a reminder that leadership is not measured by accolades alone but by the tangible, lasting impact one creates. Through her vision, strategy, and tireless advocacy, Nana Adjoa is indeed plowing a new path that nurtures growth, empowerment, and hope across the African continent.
