Mastercard Foundation and KNUST Empower Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Students Through Health Entrepreneurship Program

In a groundbreaking effort to bridge the gap between healthcare and innovation, the Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has organized a Health Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program for students of the Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College.

The training held on the college campus, brought together facilitators from KNUST, lecturers from Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College, students, and key stakeholders in the health and education sectors. The initiative aimed to equip nursing and midwifery students with entrepreneurial skills and an innovative mindset, enabling them to become not only caregivers but also job creators and problem-solvers within the health ecosystem.

According to the organizers, the primary objective of the program is to provide alternative career pathways for health professionals and to address the growing trend of Ghanaian nurses migrating abroad in search of greener pastures. By acquiring entrepreneurial skills, students can explore new opportunities within the health sector, create jobs, generate income, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The training featured interactive workshops, practical sessions, and mentorship engagements led by seasoned healthcare entrepreneurs and academic experts. Students explored real-world case studies and learned how to identify challenges in healthcare delivery and design sustainable, community-based solutions. Emphasis was placed on how to establish and manage small-scale health enterprises, craft effective marketing strategies, and harness technology for improved healthcare outcomes.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Isaac Boakye, a facilitator from KNUST, emphasized the importance of merging healthcare education with entrepreneurship. “Our future nurses and midwives must not only be caregivers but also innovators,” he stated. “With the right mindset and support, they can develop sustainable solutions that address the unique healthcare challenges in their communities.”

He further explained that the initiative, named the African Health Collaborative, is built on three foundational pillars: Health Entrepreneurship, Health Employment, and the Health Ecosystem. These pillars serve as a roadmap for preparing students to contribute beyond clinical care and take on active roles in business innovation and system transformation in the health sector.

Mr. Boakye also announced plans for an upcoming Pitch Competition, where selected students will present their health business ideas before a panel of judges. Outstanding participants will receive starter kits and seed funding to kickstart their ventures. “We have a $1 million fund dedicated to supporting the most innovative ideas. Each viable project could receive no less than $15,000,” he disclosed, urging students to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Mrs. Lydia Konadu, a tutor and facilitator at the Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College, commended the initiative and shared her optimism about its long-term impact. “This program is transformational. It challenges our students to look beyond the traditional expectations of nursing and embrace entrepreneurship as a complementary path. We are hopeful that many of them will become agents of change in the healthcare space,” she said.

Some students expressed their gratitude and excitement about the program, describing it as a turning point in their academic and professional journeys. “This experience has changed our perspective. We’re not just thinking about getting jobs anymore—we’re thinking about creating solutions and becoming employers ourselves,” a participant said.

The Health Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program forms part of the Mastercard Foundation’s broader strategy to equip young Africans with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed for dignified and fulfilling work, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.