What My First Flight Taught Me About Dreaming Bigger

Travelling to Kigali, Rwanda, for the African Food Systems Forum was more than just a trip for me; it was a moment of growth.

This journey was sponsored by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Mastercard Foundation through the Nkabom Collaborative. I had the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, experience air travel for the first time, showcase my business, connect with entrepreneurs and investors, and learn from some of Africa’s most promising young innovators.

From the exhibition booth to the GoGettaz pitch competition, the « Table—Linking Youth
Innovators to Investors, » and the Presidential Youth Town Hall, every experience challenged me to think bigger about entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, and the role young Africans can play in transforming our food systems.

What impacted me most was seeing young people from different African countries building
solutions to real problems and being bold enough to pursue their dreams. It reminded me that where you start does not have to determine how far you can go.

Beyond the business sessions, visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko, and
Nyandungu Eco-Park gave me a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s history, culture, and
commitment to sustainability.

I returned to Ghana with more than memories. I returned with new connections, new ideas,
renewed confidence, and a bigger vision for my businesses and my contribution to my
community. Also, with a stronger belief in what is possible when young African entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Kigali has made me even more eager to explore Africa and the world through opportunities that combine entrepreneurship, agriculture, innovation, climate action, and youth leadership.

I would particularly love to participate in future programs and exchanges across Africa and
beyond, especially opportunities that expose me to successful agribusiness ecosystems, investors, innovative technologies, and entrepreneurs solving real-world problems.

Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to see a bigger world and to realize that you belong in it.

Frederick Yankey, CEO of Agromine Industries