Upskilling Ghana’s Next Generation of Solar Entrepreneurs
Participants together with some Dream Renewable staff after the completion of the bootcamp
Young people across Ghana are increasingly interested in renewable energy, not only as a technical field, but also as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and community impact. At the same time, many rural and underserved communities continue to face energy access challenges that create opportunities for local, community-driven solar businesses.
At Dream Renewables, we believe that building technical skills alone is not enough. To expand access to clean energy sustainably, young people also need the confidence, business knowledge, and practical support required to turn skills into viable enterprises.
To support this vision, Dream Renewables organised a five-day Solar Entrepreneurship Bootcamp from 7th to 11th April 2026 at our training centre in Ahinsan Estate, Kumasi.
The bootcamp brought together 20 alumni from across Ghana, including participants from the Volta, Oti, Western, Northern and Ashanti Regions, with some travelling over 350 kilometres to attend, reflecting the growing interest in renewable energy entrepreneurship among young people across the country. It concluded with participants developing and pitching their own solar business ideas, with the strongest concepts receiving direct support from Dream Renewables.
Scroll down to read some of the business ideas participants developed during the bootcamp.
Building Skills Beyond Solar Installation
Participants during the entrepreneurship bootcamp
While many participants already had technical backgrounds in solar PV design and installation, the bootcamp focused on helping them understand how to turn those technical skills into sustainable businesses and practical community solutions.
Across the five days, participants explored entrepreneurship, financial literacy, bookkeeping, budgeting, sales and marketing, customer engagement, partnerships, and renewable energy business opportunities within the Ghanaian context.
Sessions combined practical discussions, collaborative exercises and real-world industry insights from business and renewable energy professionals.
The first three days were facilitated by Mr. Kwesi Kumah of Top Officials Consulting Services, who led sessions on entrepreneurship, business planning and financial management. Additional sessions featured contributions from professionals within the renewable energy and finance sectors, covering topics including supply chains, bookkeeping, startup opportunities and navigating the solar energy space.
The bootcamp was delivered through a combination of in-person sessions and virtual presentations.
Mr. Kwesi Kumah, Facilitator, delivering a session during the Solar Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.
Turning Local Challenges into Business Ideas
Some participants presenting their business ideas
A key focus of the bootcamp was encouraging participants to develop renewable energy business ideas based on the realities and energy challenges within their own communities.
During the final-day business development session, participants presented community-based solar business ideas designed to respond to these local challenges.
Benjamin Budu from Aworabo proposed establishing a solar-powered phone and power bank charging station in his village, where residents currently travel more than an hour to the nearest town to charge their devices. His idea focused on providing affordable and reliable charging services locally using a small solar home system.
Evans Asamoah from Moframfadwene explored a solar-powered charging model, integrating the service into a small provision shop to create both an energy solution and a sustainable source of income.
Hippolite from the Northern Region also presented a business idea focused on building portable solar generators that could be rented for funerals and community events as an alternative to diesel generators commonly used in rural communities.
Other participants explored ideas centred around community outreach, local solar sales, and acting as local agents connecting households to renewable energy solutions
A practical workshop on configuring solar arrays
Supporting Participants Beyond the Bootcamp
Citation presented to Mr. Kwesi by Sophia ( Project Management intern) on the last day of his session
The bootcamp did not end with presentations and certificates.
Four entrepreneurs with the most compelling and feasible ideas were provided a kickstart pack of solar equipment, as well as technical guidance and the offer of ongoing mentoring. These participants were selected from communities connected to Dream Renewables’ ongoing field projects, including areas involved in the Five Clinics Project where solar systems have already been installed to support local energy access needs.
In addition, 14 participants expressed interest in formally registering their businesses, with plans underway to support them through registration with the Ghana Revenue Authority as sole proprietors. All participants will also undergo a screening and mentorship process to assess readiness, commitment and business preparedness before progressing into further support.
Following the strong engagement and positive outcomes from this year’s programme, Dream Renewables plans to continue expanding the Solar Entrepreneurship Bootcamp as an annual initiative for young people interested in renewable energy and community-based entrepreneurship.
Through continued mentorship, practical support and real-world project exposure, Dream Renewables aims to support participants to move beyond training into building viable businesses and delivering renewable energy solutions within their own communities.
Bootcamp session ongoing
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