Inside the innovation centre. INSET: George Opare Addo
Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC), with support from Mastercard Foundation, officially commissioned its ultra-modern Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Ejisu near Kumasi.
The new facility is poised to be a game-changer for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and start-ups, decisively tackling the long-standing challenge of transforming digital concepts into physical, market-ready products, particularly for the critical agricultural and agri-adjacent sectors.
The Hardware Centre of Excellence is envisioned as a comprehensive makerspace, established as part of KIC’s commitment to promote the accessibility of high-end equipment to young innovators within the country and the sub-region.
Its core mandate is to help bring many young people into work through entrepreneurship by providing the tools and technical expertise necessary to overcome complex manufacturing and prototyping hurdles.
Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, described the commissioning as a major milestone in the Center’s mission to transform ideas into impactful, real-world solutions that contribute to national development.
“The future of innovation in Ghana will be built by Ghanaians, in Ghana, for Ghana and for Africa,” he stated.
During the commissioning ceremony, the strategic importance of the centre in the national context was emphasised.
The facility directly addresses the lack of specialised infrastructure that has historically forced innovators to seek development and manufacturing support abroad.
Nana Joe Mensah, Board Chairman of KIC, in his opening remarks, described the centre as a ‘powerful statement’ of Ghana’s capacity for self-reliance.
“As Board Chairman, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable growth of KIC from a bold idea to a national driver of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Today, the establishment of this Centre stands as a powerful statement that Ghana’s youth have the creativity, the intellect, and the drive to design and build solutions for Ghana’s future.
‘This milestone is also a testament to partnership. Within these walls, ideas will be tested, technologies will be refined, and solutions to challenges that affect our food systems, our environment, and our livelihoods will emerge,” he said.
The CoE is equipped with six highly specialised innovation laboratories, which will ensure comprehensive support for start-ups at every stage of product development, from food science to advanced robotics.
According to Gyan-Kesse, these labs are central to creating solutions that address local challenges specific to Ghanaian food systems.
The specialised facilities include a Food Innovation Lab, an Electronics Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Metal Fabrication Lab, Woodwork Lab, and a Computer Design Lab.
Speaking on behalf of President John Mahama, the Minister for Youth Development, George Opare Addo, highlighted that the Centre of Excellence is a direct response to national challenges facing the youth, including unemployment, illegal mining, and social vulnerability.
He stressed that the most effective solution is providing dignified work.
“President Mahama believes that the most effective response to these challenges is dignified work. When a young person earns a stable income, they gain independence, purpose, and hope,” he said.
He added, “A thousand KIC-created jobs can generate significant annual tax revenue, capable of supporting national development.”
Mr. Addo framed the CoE as perfectly aligned with the President’s vision to empower the youth to become job creators, not just job seekers, citing the initiative as a “pioneering force that turns vision into reality.”
A Business Desk Report