A panel of judges at Africa Liberty Forum 2024 chose Nathaniel Dwamena of Ghana-based Atlas Network partner YAFO Institute as the winner of the Africa Think Tank Shark Tank competition and its US$15,000 prize.
Supported by this prize, Nathaniel and YAFO Institute will carry out their Decentralized Business Empowerment project to push back on Ghana’s exorbitant taxes on business of every size. The vast majority of Ghanaian workers make a living in the informal sector, so the micro, small, and medium enterprises that employ them are crucial to the country’s economy. Unfortunately, numerous taxes, tariffs, and government fees make it difficult for these businesses to survive and grow, limiting their potential to help people escape poverty. The Decentralized Business Empowerment project will train small business owners how to use blockchain and decentralized finance tools to reduce their operating costs and avoid unnecessary double taxation, allowing them to better engage in trade and take advantage of new opportunities.
Atlas Network’s Coach, Compete, Celebrate model is on full display at each of our four Regional Liberty Forums, through the Think Tank Shark Tank grant competition. In this event, three Atlas Network grant recipients take the stage to pitch a panel of judges—and the audience—on why their project should receive additional funding support. Think Tank Shark Tank and more Atlas Network competitions will be coming to your part of the world. Visit AtlasNetwork.org/Events to find out more about events in your region.