On 9th July 2026, the GIMPA Executive Conference Centre in Accra came alive as IMPLEMENTERS successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Climate Forward Summit (CFS) 2026. Centered on the timely theme “The Circular Transition: Integrating Waste-to-Wealth Pathways and Clean Energy for Ghana’s Green Industrialization,” the summit brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. The primary goal was to move Ghana away from isolated talk and push directly into actionable partnerships, policy enforcement, and measurable green growth.

The day kicked off with inspiring opening remarks from Kafui Prebbie, Chief Executive Officer of IMPLEMENTERS, who emphasized that Ghana’s mounting plastic, textile, and electronic waste must be re-imagined as strategic industrial resources rather than environmental burdens. High-level keynotes delivered on behalf of the Minister for Environment and the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability revealed that environmental degradation costs Ghana an estimated $3 billion annually, roughly 10.7% of GDP. Officials underscored that the future belongs to nations that waste the least, highlighting national commitments to support green job initiatives, plastics recovery, and clean energy transition frameworks.

Shifting into technical presentations, Dr. Richard Bayitse from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) revealed that while Ghana produces 12.25 million tonnes of waste annually, less than 10% is currently recycled. He noted that proper resource recovery could generate $1.2 billion each year, calling waste “an asset waiting to be activated”. An energetic panel discussion followed, tackling real-world challenges such as high transport costs for recyclables, weak collection systems, and the recent June 2026 floods that exposed vulnerabilities in urban drainage. Panelists passionately advocated for formalizing informal waste systems, enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, and creating stable end markets for processed materials.

The afternoon sessions highlighted the critical connection between clean power and recycling. Gifty Asantewaa Nkrumah from the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) demonstrated that because recycling processes require significant energy, powering them with renewable sources like solar is essential to ensure true net emissions reductions. Following this, the second panel focused on governance, finance, and changing mindsets. Experts agreed that household source segregation (separating trash at home) is the foundation of any circular economy, calling for mass public education, multi-ministerial alignment, and accessible green finance for local entrepreneurs.

The summit concluded on a practical note by introducing impact-driven projects, including IMPLEMENTERS’ own Yendia Project for ecosystem restoration and digital tree tracking, GIZ’s InnoWaste Project, and the launch of the Ghana Waste Workers Unionization Initiative to protect informal waste pickers. Delivering the official closing remarks on behalf of IMPLEMENTERS, Partnerships Manager Nancy Neizer reminded attendees that the summit’s true success will not be measured by speeches, but by the tangible projects, investments, and cleaner communities created in the months ahead. With a shared resolve to transform waste into sustainable wealth, CFS 2026 proved that Ghana’s green industrial future is already underway.

Following the success of the inaugural Climate Forward Summit, IMPLEMENTERS is proud to announce the 2nd Edition of the Climate Forward Summit 2026 (CFS 2026), scheduled for 9th July 2026 at the Executive Conference Centre, GIMPA.

The first edition of the summit brought together stakeholders across the climate, extractives, agriculture, development, and sustainability sectors to begin important conversations around climate resilience, clean energy, and sustainable development in Ghana. It created a much-needed platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective thinking around the future of climate action in the country.

Building on that momentum, CFS 2026 shifts its focus to one of Ghana’s growing environmental concerns: plastics, textiles, and electronic waste, as well as the urgent need to transition to a circular economy.

Under the theme:

“The Circular Transition: Integrating Waste-to-Wealth Pathways and Clean Energy for Ghana’s Green Industrialization,” this year’s summit seeks to advance practical, scalable, and policy-aligned solutions that rethink waste not as a burden, but as an opportunity for innovation, sustainability, green jobs, and industrial transformation.

Across Ghana, the effects of poor waste management continue to impact communities, waterways, public health, and livelihoods. From plastics clogging drains and polluting beaches, to mounting textile and e-waste challenges, the need for urgent and coordinated action has never been greater.

CFS 2026 will feature high-level discussions, exhibitions, networking sessions, solution-driven conversations, and engagements aimed at influencing policy, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating Ghana’s transition toward a greener and more sustainable future.

The Climate Forward Summit exists to break down silos between sectors and stakeholders. Climate challenges cannot be solved in isolation. CFS creates a platform where government institutions, private sector organisations, development partners, civil society, researchers, innovators, and the wider public can come together to align efforts, share ideas, influence policy, and collectively drive actionable climate solutions.

We invite stakeholders, organizations, climate advocates, and the public to join us for this important convening as we move from conversation to collective action.

Read the full press release on Climate Forward Summit 2026 below.

Across Ghana and around the world, the effects of the climate crisis are becoming impossible to ignore. From choked drains that worsen flooding, to polluted beaches, to the growing burden of electronic waste, these are everyday challenges affecting our environment, health, and livelihoods.

But within these challenges lies a powerful opportunity. What if the waste we see around us could be turned into something useful? What if we moved away from a linear “use and dispose” system to a more sustainable, circular system? It is on this backdrop that IMPLEMENTERS is proud to announce the 2nd edition of the Climate Forward Summit (CFS 2026) in July.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which brought together key stakeholders from the extractives and agriculture sectors to align efforts around clean energy and sustainable agriculture, CFS 2026 shifts the focus toward how Ghana can transform its growing waste challenge into an opportunity for economic growth and sustainability.

The 2026 edition will focus on practical solutions for managing plastic, textile, and electronic waste in Ghana and across West Africa. It will bring together leaders and stakeholders from government, policy, development organisations, private sector institutions, and civil society to explore real, scalable solutions under the theme:

“The Circular Transition: Integrating Waste-to-Wealth Pathways and Clean Energy for Ghana’s Green Industrialisation.”

What the Summit Aims to Achieve

• Catalyse National Circular Action: Moving beyond discussions and supporting the implementation of practical, scalable “waste-to-resource” solutions.
• Drive Policy-Industry Synergy: Aligning private sector sustainability efforts with national policies such as the Ghana Climate Change Policy (NCCP).
• Accelerate Green Transformation: Encouraging investment in clean energy and sustainable industrial systems.
• Support the Informal Sector: Creating opportunities to recognise and strengthen the role of informal waste collectors and recyclers.

Ahead of the main event, a series of activities will be organised to raise awareness, drive public engagement, and highlight the urgency of collective climate action. These include:

• Beach clean-up exercises to directly tackle plastic, textile, and e-waste pollution
• Tree planting campaigns to support environmental restoration
• Webinars and discussions to explore climate issues, recycling, and circular economy solutions

CFS 2026 is set to be a bold and impactful convening that brings together ideas, people, and solutions to drive climate action in Ghana. Join us this July as we move from conversation to action and work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Registration opens soon. Stakeholders interested in attending, sponsoring, or presenting are encouraged to contact the team via communications@theimplementers.org for more information.

The Annual Impact Roundtable Discussion (AIRTAD) & Robotics Competition has reached a landmark milestone. The 5th edition of AIRTAD, held from February 24–27 under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Through Education and Innovation,” was without question our most impactful edition yet, and a fitting celebration of five years of this extraordinary initiative.

AIRTAD 2026 was a celebration of the Yamoransa Model Labs for Sustainable Development, which has, since 2016, been providing students in underserved communities with state-of-the-art ICT and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education facilities, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological world. Five years on, AIRTAD stands as the most powerful annual expression of that mission.

This year, AIRTAD converged close to 800 attendees from across Ghana and beyond, including education and STEAM industry experts, policymakers, Yamoransa Model Labs beneficiaries from Ghana, Liberia, and The Gambia, as well as students from top senior and junior high schools across Ghana. Together, they gathered to engage in critical conversations on education and take part in thrilling competitions, while celebrating the incredible impact of the Yamoransa Model Labs programme. To mark the 5th anniversary, we went bigger with more senior high schools participating than ever before, and for the very first time, junior high schools outside of the Yamoransa Model Labs network also had the opportunity to compete.

The event kicked off with preliminary competitions on February 24–25 at Academic City University College, where schools from across Ghana and the Yamoransa Model Labs from Ghana, Liberia and The Gambia went head-to-head in preliminary robotics and project exhibition competitions at both the basic and senior levels.

At the senior level, the competition was fierce. Top schools, including Mfantsipim School, Aburi Girls SHS, Accra Academy, Labone SHS, St. Augustine’s SHS, Achimota School, Presbyterian Boys SHS, St. Mary’s SHS, Obuasi Senior High Technical School, St. Peter’s SHS, Odorgonno SHS, and the Yamoransa Model Labs from The Gambia, Liberia, and Lab 3.1, all went head-to-head in intense robotics challenges and project exhibitions. At the basic level, Yamoransa Model Labs from across Ghana, alongside students from St. Martin’s De Porres and Royal Priesthood School, competed in riddles, problem-solving challenges, and hands-on robotics tasks.

At the end of the preliminary stage, Presbyterian Boys SHS, Labone SHS, Lab 3.1, and St. Peter’s SHS had booked their places in the senior level finals, while YM Labs 7, 4, 2, and 11 progressed to the basic level finals.

On February 26 and 27, the main event of AIRTAD 2026 took centre stage at the prestigious Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana. The two-day session featured high-level discussions on education with some of Africa’s leading minds in the field. We were privileged to have Olivia Serwaa Opare, Director of the STEM Unit at the Ghana Education Service; Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University; Prosper Nyavor, Head of Education at UNESCO Ghana; and Prof. Kofi Adu-Manu Sarpong, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Ghana, join us for an all-important conversation on the Yamoransa Model Labs as a tool for scalability and sustainability within Ghana’s educational system.

We were equally honoured to have high-profile guests deliver key insights, including Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education; Edmond Moukala, Country Director of UNESCO Ghana; Naoki Mitori, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Ghana; and Prof. Samuel Ofori, Director General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA). Each speaker underscored the critical importance of AIRTAD and the Yamoransa Model Labs to STEAM education and skills development not just in Ghana, but across the continent.

AIRTAD also introduced an exciting new addition to the programme: a live STEAM Debate competition. Labone SHS and Accra Academy faced off in a spirited exchange on the motion: “Innovation Should Be Prioritised Over Academic Excellence in Today’s Schools.”

The competition finals then brought AIRTAD to a thrilling conclusion, with Labone SHS and Yamoransa Model Lab 11 emerging as champions of the senior and basic level competitions, respectively.

Beyond the competition and discussions, AIRTAD 2026 was also a vibrant celebration of creativity. The event featured captivating stage plays, high-energy dance battles, and a ceremonious awards session that honoured exceptional participants.

AIRTAD 2026 was a true celebration of the innovation and ingenuity of African talent, and a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when we give young people the opportunity and the tools to excel.

The Yamoransa Model Labs Program, funded by the Helping Africa Foundation and managed by IMPLEMENTERS, is set to host the 5th edition of the Annual Impact Roundtable Discussions & Robotics Competition (AIRTAD 2026), set to take place from 24th to 27th February with the main event happening from 26th to 27th February 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon.

As AIRTAD celebrates its five-year milestone, the 2026 edition promises to be the most impactful yet—bringing together students, educators, policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, and innovators to celebrate progress and advance critical conversations on the future of education in Africa.

Since its inception, AIRTAD has served as a flagship platform for showcasing the impact of the Yamoransa Model Labs (YM Labs) Initiative. The initiative has expanded access to technology-enabled learning, STEAM education, and practical innovation for students in underserved communities across Ghana and West Africa.

Under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Through Education and Innovation,” AIRTAD 2026 will feature:

• High-energy robotics and innovation competitions involving some of Ghana and West Africa’s most talented students
• Project exhibitions showcasing real-world solutions developed through the YM Labs
• Roundtable discussions and panel sessions with education leaders and policymakers
• Engaging debates, mentorship sessions, and policy-focused conversations on preparing Africa’s future workforce

AIRTAD 2026 is set to amplify national and regional conversations, positioning young people at the centre of education reform, empowering them to think critically, innovate boldly, and lead conversations that shape Africa’s development.

Registrations will open soon.
For partnership opportunities, media enquiries, or general information, contact communications@theimplementers.org

Are you passionate about education, technology, and making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to be part of one of Ghana’s most exciting platforms advancing STEAM learning and innovation?

IMPLEMENTERS is calling for passionate and dedicated individuals to volunteer for the Annual Impact Roundtable Discussions (AIRTAD) & Robotics Competition 2026!

As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in bringing this national event to life. Whether you’re a student, professional, or community advocate, this is your chance to contribute to a life-changing experience that shapes the future of education and technology in Ghana.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to review the Call for Volunteers Criteria Document below for details on eligibility, responsibilities, and required skills.

Apply Here: AIRTAD Volunteer Application

Application Deadline: November 18, 2025
For inquiries or clarifications, contact communications@theimplementers.org

We are proud to announce the EduVision Africa Conference 2025, a multistakeholder event dedicated to transforming education and shaping the future of learning and work across Ghana and the African continent.

Set to take place on 27th November 2025 at the GIMPA Executive Conference Center in Accra, the EduVision Africa Conference will bring together government institutions, private sector leaders, academia, civil society organizations, development partners, and youth networks to discuss the urgent question of how Africa’s education systems can build the skills and opportunities needed for the future.

Ghana’s education sector stands at a pivotal moment. While access has expanded significantly through initiatives such as Free Senior High School, questions remain about the quality of learning and whether young people are gaining the skills required for the 21st-century economy. Across Africa, more than 60% of the population is under 25, an incredible opportunity, but also a challenge if educational systems fail to prepare youth for a rapidly digitalizing and transforming world of work.

Recognizing this, the EduVision Africa Conference will explore how to integrate 21st-century skills into Ghana’s education system, strengthen links between learning and employability, and foster collaboration between government, private industry, and development actors.

Under the theme “Building Skills, Access, and Opportunities for Ghana’s Future,” this year’s conference will highlight innovative strategies, policy ideas, and partnerships aimed at bridging the access-quality gap in education. The conference will feature keynote presentations, high-level panels, and deep-dive sessions that will elevate youth voices, ensuring that students and young professionals actively contribute to shaping the future of education and work in Ghana and beyond. As the inaugural edition, the EduVision Africa Conference 2025 marks the beginning of an annual dialogue on education transformation in Africa.

Stakeholders interested in attending, sponsoring, or partnering for the event are encouraged to contact the communications team via email at communications@theimplementers.org for more information.

Across Africa, young people are driving solutions to some of the continent’s biggest environmental challenges. Recognising this, IMPLEMENTERS joined partners of the Young Green Entrepreneurs (YGE) Programme, led by the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), to co-organise the African Youth Conference on 12th September 2025 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

The conference was held against the backdrop of a growing concern that many young people in Africa remain unemployed despite the continent’s immense potential. The African Youth Conference seeks to change this reality by promoting innovative, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for young people to lead in green entrepreneurship, climate action, and natural resource governance.

The conference, themed “Building the Green Economy: Entrepreneurial Pathways for African Youth in a Just Transition,” provided a platform for young innovators, policymakers, and development partners to discuss how Africa’s youth can lead the green economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

The event featured a high-level fireside chat, keynote addresses from partners, and an expert panel discussion, which drew an engaged audience of young entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and sustainability advocates.

Speaking on behalf of IMPLEMENTERS, Daniel Ntiamoah Danquah, Senior Partnerships Associate, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth through innovation and partnerships. He highlighted IMPLEMENTERS’ role as a key enabler within the YGE ecosystem, noting how collaboration between development partners, private sector players, and youth-led initiatives is vital to building resilient, green economies.

The African Youth Conference amplified the conversation around youth-led green entrepreneurship and the power of partnerships to drive sustainable change. For IMPLEMENTERS, participation in this event reaffirmed our mission of empowering individuals and communities through initiatives that support innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The serene ambiance of the Marriott Hotel Accra was transformed into a hub of visionary dialogue and strategic networking as IMPLEMENTERS hosted the maiden edition of the Impact Leaders Breakfast on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The event convened a diverse mix of business executives, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, all united by a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth in Ghana and across the continent.

Held under the theme “Leading with Impact: The Next Chapter of Innovation and Sustainability”, the summit provided a platform for bold conversations on the future of leadership and impact. Discussions explored the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and impact investing, with participants reflecting on how to unlock local capital, scale social enterprises, and build resilient ecosystems that balance both profit and purpose. The summit featured insightful contributions from speakers, including Eldad Nutakor, Lead Consultant at Oxegene, and Anita Wiafe, Managing Director of OML Africa, who shared practical strategies for scaling impact-driven enterprises, underscoring the role of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth.

The occasion also marked a milestone celebration for Mr. Kafui Prebbie, CEO of IMPLEMENTERS. The gathering honoured his legacy as a purpose-driven leader and his unwavering dedication to using business as a force for good. In his reflections, he offered practical strategies for nurturing human potential in evolving organisational landscapes, while encouraging leaders to align vision with values in order to achieve meaningful impact.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the Impact Scholarship Fund, an initiative designed to support and empower promising young Ghanaians from underserved communities. The fund seeks to provide access to quality education, mentorship, and career pathways, equipping beneficiaries with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. Its launch was met with overwhelming support, as attendees contributed both financially and in kind, a clear testament to the collective will to invest in Ghana’s next generation of leaders.

The success of this inaugural edition was made possible through the unwavering support of our valued partners, including the Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation and Dext Technologies, whose contributions were crucial in bringing the vision to life.

The Impact Leaders Breakfast created a space for meaningful connections, knowledge exchange, and renewed commitment to purpose-driven leadership. For us at IMPLEMENTERS, this event is the beginning of a movement that will inspire leaders, empower communities, and shape sustainable solutions for years to come.