At the Ghana Hubs Network Annual Gathering 2025, innovation, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship took center stage. Among the voices shaping this narrative was Fianu David Dzotsi, General Manager of the Wislaw Education and Support Fund. As a Startup Innovation and Growth Coach, Business Developer, and Accountant, Dzotsi shared insights into how Wislaw is building opportunities for young entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs in Ghana.
The Story of Wislaw Education and Support Fund
Founded in 2007 in Nsuta-Tarkwa, Western Ghana, the Wislaw Education and Support Fund is a development-focused social enterprise with a mission to empower youth and entrepreneurs with skills, resources, and opportunities.
Wislaw provides:
- Capacity building and training
- Funding and financial access
- Networking and market linkages
- Internships and mentorship opportunities
- Coaching for startups and SMEs
The vision is clear: to raise high-potential entrepreneurs and startups that will inspire economic growth and social development through technology and innovation.
Driving Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Development
Wislaw believes that skills and entrepreneurship are the foundation for sustainable business growth. Over the years, the organization has:
- Delivered digital skills training to prepare youth for the innovation economy.
- Promoted agritech solutions and vocational education, bridging the gap between traditional sectors and modern entrepreneurship.
- Supported women’s entrepreneurship programs to create inclusive growth.
- Aligned its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063, proving that local action can drive global change.
Leadership with Purpose
Behind Wislaw’s success is a dedicated team of leaders who share a passion for innovation and sustainable growth:
- Wisdom Adjei-Mensah (Executive Director) – provides strategic vision and leadership.
- Lawrencia Adjei-Mensah (Co-founder) – drives initiatives that create opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.
- Fianu David Dzotsi (General Manager) – leads entrepreneurship, startup innovation, and growth coaching.
- Edward Kweku Kassah (Board Member) – contributes governance and development expertise.
- Listowell Peter Prah (Finance) – ensures financial sustainability for projects and entrepreneurs.
- Mercy Adoley Quaye (Technical Lead) – drives technology-based skills training and innovation.
This leadership team ensures that Wislaw Education continues to be a catalyst for entrepreneurship and business development in Ghana.
Projects and Impact (2007–2025)
Wislaw Education and Support Fund has consistently translated its vision into action through impactful projects across Ghana.
Ongoing (2025): The ACTIVATE Program
- Accelerating Change Through Innovation in Agricultural TVET (ACTIVATE), funded by the Mastercard Foundation through WUSC Ghana, is a 5-year initiative.
- Wislaw serves as the Western Region representative, offering practical training to improve the well-being and resilience of young women and men across Ghana.
March 2025: International Women’s Day with UMaT
- Wislaw joined the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to celebrate women under the theme “Accelerate Action: Personal and Collective Responsibility.”
- Facilitator Ms. Diana Bervel inspired women to embrace technical skills like welding and fabrication while highlighting the ACTIVATE Project opportunities.
August 2024: Free Robotics Training for BECE Graduates
- Organized weekend robotics sessions where students built and coded robots.
- Boosted creativity, problem-solving, and tech-driven innovation among young learners.
March 2024: Women in Male-Dominated Trades Mentorship
- Mentored young women in technical skills and innovation through partnerships with WUSC Ghana.
- Empowered females to thrive in trades such as electricals, fabrication, and entrepreneurship.
August 2023: Career Guidance at Tarkwa Technical Institute
- Engaged students on the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
- Introduced opportunities for entrepreneurship and career development.
July 2023: Partnership with J’NISSI Reading Program
- Donated books in Catering, Fashion Design, Building & Construction, and Entrepreneurship.
- Supported schools in TVET education and advocated for more resources, including IT equipment.
February 2023: Lead F Africa Program (Kigali)
- Mercy Adoley Quaye (Technical Lead) represented Wislaw in Kigali at a 10-week leadership program for female tech leaders across Africa.
October 2022: Mentorship for BECE Candidates
- Engaged students from Divine Victory Academy on academic preparation, career pathways, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Provided exam resources and encouraged performance-based financial support.
October 2022: Pitch Deck Preparation for SMEs
- Trained entrepreneurs and startups on how to design effective pitch decks to attract investors.
- Improved their ability to communicate business ideas for funding and growth.
These projects showcase Wislaw’s commitment to empowering youth, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting women in innovation and skills development.
Fianu David Dzotsi: Championing Business Growth
As the General Manager of Wislaw Education, Fianu David Dzotsi brings rich experience in startup coaching, business development, and accounting.
- Since 2022, he has led Wislaw in building programs that empower entrepreneurs and youth.
- He previously served as Business Development Lead at TED Hub and Accountant at Forcefields Ghana Ltd, contributing to business innovation and financial strategy.
- He is also an Accountant with the Ghana TVET Service, working to strengthen education and technical skills across Ghana.
- An alumnus of the University of Cape Coast, he studied Accounting and Finance, which shaped his expertise in both entrepreneurship and financial management.
Through his leadership, Dzotsi is helping position Wislaw as a hub for entrepreneurship, skills training, and startup growth in Ghana.
Values That Inspire Entrepreneurs
Wislaw’s work is guided by strong values that resonate with entrepreneurs and startups:
- Innovation and Technology – driving new business solutions.
- Sustainability and Growth – ensuring long-term entrepreneurial success.
- Diversity and Inclusion – creating opportunities for all.
- Social Justice and Equality – ensuring fair access to resources.
- Empathy and Giving – building a culture of support among entrepreneurs.
Why Wislaw Matters for Entrepreneurs in Ghana and Africa
Entrepreneurship is key to Africa’s economic future, and Wislaw is playing a pivotal role by:
- Offering training, funding, and coaching to startups and SMEs.
- Helping entrepreneurs access market opportunities.
- Building a generation of youth innovators who will lead Africa’s transformation.
For entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, Wislaw provides the right mix of skills development, mentorship, and financial support.
Conclusion
The Wislaw Education and Support Fund is more than an organization—it is a movement to empower Ghana’s youth and entrepreneurs. With leaders like Fianu David Dzotsi at the forefront, Wislaw continues to create opportunities for startups, SMEs, and innovators to thrive.
For young people and business owners in Ghana, Wislaw represents hope, growth, and a pathway to success. Entrepreneurs who want to build skills, grow their businesses, and make an impact should look no further than Wislaw Education.
