Ghanaian Young Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Builder, Kekeli Yaw Dorkenoo Emerges as a Top 5 Finalist for Africa in the Youth Ecosystem Champion Builder of the Year Category at the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards (ASEB) 2024
Kekeli Yaw Dorkenoo, founder of Keldork Global Innovations will represent Ghana as a Top 5 Finalist in the Youth Startup Ecosystem Champion Builder of the Year 2024 category at the ASEB Awards.
This came after competing against nominees from 44 countries, with over 2,000 nominations across 30 categories, his tireless efforts in the ecosystem haven’t just been noticed – they’ve been celebrated!
The judges were particularly impressed by his unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, supporting fellow entrepreneurs, and building a thriving startup environment far beyond the local ecosystem.
“This award finalist announcement came at a challenging time when I was on the verge of giving up on my role as a youth startup ecosystem builder due to a lack of motivation and the familiar frustrations often faced in Ghana, like the ‘Boni ay3’ factors.
Emerging as a Top 5 finalist out of 44 countries in the Youth Ecosystem Champion Builder category barely a week after facilitating a training session in the Ashanti Region, where I felt drained of all energy, motivation, zeal, and resources, was unexpected. At that moment, I had lost hope, despite often being called an award-winning polymath.
However, this nomination has reignited my inspiration, not just for myself but for other ecosystem builders in the private sector who offer free mentorship, training, coaching, and startup consultancy for African youth.
This recognition is truly merit-based, and I am proud that my impact across more than five countries is being acknowledged by the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards and their stakeholders.
While I am hopeful about winning, my primary interest lies in the impact of this nomination. At the very least, I believe it can help secure contracts for my organization to roll out startup programs for universities, innovation hubs, and perhaps, eventually, develop into a unicorn”, Kekeli Yaw Dorkenoo.
His alumni profile include; German Falling Walls Lab, Aspire Leadership Institute, University of British Columbia Sauder School LIFT of The Gracedlife Leadership Center, StArfrica Germany, Climate and Development Knowledge Network Ghana, Regional Maritime University.
His Past Achievements include:
1st Runner-up, German Falling Walls Lab
Featured in the YUNUS Germany Social Procurement on Plastic Waste
3-time Dean’s List Award recipient from RMU
#keli4Ghana #keldork
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