Michael Twene Osei
Michael Twene Osei is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and passionate advocate for child and youth welfare in Ghana and across Africa. Since 2012, he has been at the forefront of efforts to amplify the voices of young people, representing the Ghanaian child on both national and international platforms including the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Addis Ababa and Child Rights Connect in Geneva. He is the founder of Read4Change Initiative, African Youth for Change, and Lensit Initiative — all aimed at promoting literacy, civic engagement, and youth empowerment. His contributions have earned him an honorary citation from the Sunyani East Municipal Assembly and recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Michael brings extensive experience to Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Since 2019, he has worked with reputable institutions like Ashesi University’s Design Lab, NEXTi2i (a collaboration between Ashesi D:Lab and MIT D:Lab), and the Ashesi Venture Incubator. Through these roles, he has supported student entrepreneurs with practical tools like design thinking and the lean approach, while also coaching them on grant writing, branding, and storytelling. His efforts have contributed to securing over $10,000 in funding for impact-driven ventures. As founder of Creative Minds Publications and Sanbra Poultry, and co-founder and Business Development Analyst at TIES Agric, Michael continues to demonstrate his commitment to building businesses that prioritize innovation, impact, and sustainability.
His mission is rooted in a clear understanding of Africa’s demographic and economic realities. With an estimated 18 million jobs needed annually to absorb new labor market entrants, Michael believes entrepreneurship is pivotal to the continent’s future. He envisions a generation of ethical entrepreneurs who will not only seek profit but also prioritize people and the planet. Through his work, he hopes to play a critical role in shaping Africa’s startup ecosystem, empowering young people to build ventures that address unemployment, curb irregular migration, and transform local economies.
Key Projects
Read4Change Initiative
African Youth for Change
Lensit Initiative
Creative Minds Publications
Sanbra Poultry
Education
Mission Statement
There is a vibrant and evolving startup scene across the continent. These new entrepreneurial ventures are pivotal to the security and economic future of the continent. This is because over the next two decades, Africa’s working age population will increase by approximately 20 million people per year.
Sub-Saharan Africa will need to create 18 million jobs each year until 2035 to accommodate new labor market entrants. According to the World Bank, an estimated 110,000 people graduate from Ghanaian universities each year. Out of this, only 10% are able to secure a job within one year after graduation. Considering the above, it has become imperative for a conscious and sustained effort to create jobs through entrepreneurship.
My mission, therefore, is to champion a new generation of young, ethical entrepreneurs who would not only prioritize profit but sustainability, people, and planet. Entrepreneurs who would leverage the immense economic potential of Africa to solve some of the continent’s most pressing needs such as unemployment and irregular migration. Africa’s vibrant and growing startup scene is critical to the security and progress of the world’s most youthful continent.
These businesses are going to determine the livelihoods of many African families in the next decade and more. Therefore, now more than ever, it has become pivotal to train experts who can lend their skills and knowledge to support such a crucial business ecosystem. I want to be that expert.