Drive to Inspire – Africa (DTI-A) has awarded 23 new scholarships to tertiary female students in Ghana, increasing its total number of beneficiaries to 40.
Also, the organisation has deepened its commitment to youth empowerment and education across the continent by expanding its impactful mentorship programmes to 22 countries.
Founder of DTI-A, Nana Adjoa Hackman, disclosed this at the organisation’s annual impact reporting event, where she highlighted the significant strides made since the organisation’s establishment in 2023.
She explained that while the number of beneficiaries may appear modest, each scholarship represents a full financial commitment to the entire academic journey of a brilliant but needy student.
“When we take on a student, we ensure that funding for their entire programme is secured. We do not start what we cannot finish, and we do not leave students halfway through their education,” she said.
According to her, this deliberate and cautious approach ensures stability and peace of mind for beneficiaries, allowing them to focus fully on their studies.
Pan-African growth driven by mentorship and collaboration
Beyond scholarships, DTI-A has rapidly evolved into a continental platform, bringing together mentors and mentees from eight countries within the first two years, and expanding further to 22 countries by February 2026 under its mentorship programme.
Ms Hackman noted that the organisation has introduced thought leadership platforms focused on personal development, skills training and networking, all aimed at equipping young people with the tools needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
“The core idea behind everything we are doing is to encourage young people to engage with one another, aim higher, build confidence, and develop resilience. We want them to know that they can use their creativity to find solutions,” she said.
351 mentees
The mentorship programme has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 179 mentees in March 2025 to 351 currently, reflecting increasing demand and interest from across the continent.
What began as a Ghana-focused initiative has now transformed into a pan-African movement, with participants joining from countries such as Kenya, Zambia and Liberia.
Demand for expansion presents ‘a good challenge’
Ms Hackman revealed that the organisation is now facing growing calls to expand beyond Ghana, particularly from other African countries eager to replicate its model.
“We are receiving messages from Zambia, Liberia and Kenya. In fact, in this cohort, we have the highest number of participants from Kenya, and they are asking us to come there and do what we are doing in Ghana,” she said.
She described this as a “good problem to have,” noting that the organisation is exploring ways to scale its operations to meet the increasing demand.
Creating safe spaces for growth and innovation
The founder emphasised that DTI-A’s interventions go beyond financial support, focusing on creating safe and empowering environments where young people can learn, grow and innovate.
Through its programmes, participants are encouraged to express themselves, make mistakes, learn from them and build the confidence needed to thrive.
The initiative also seeks to bridge critical gaps—between young men and women, and between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
“Day by day, week by week, we are doing our modest part to support the empowerment of African youth, to make them more competitive and ready for the global stage,” she said.
Impact stories highlight transformation
Ms Hackman underscored the impact of the programme through personal stories of beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed.
She cited the example of a mentee from Botswana who, after struggling to secure employment following a mentorship programme, was guided by her mentor in Nigeria to start her own business.
Other beneficiaries include students who have progressed to tertiary institutions such as the University for Development Studies and the University of Professional Studies, Accra, where they have excelled academically and taken up leadership roles.
“These are the stories that keep us going. Every day, we are reminded why we started,” she said.
She added that the initiative is designed to create a cycle of impact, where beneficiaries are inspired to give back and support others.
Outreach expands to over 20,000 students
In addition to scholarships and mentorship, DTI-A has expanded its outreach programmes, engaging more than 20,000 students across Ghana in 2025 alone, through school and university engagements.
The organisation has also introduced monthly professional development webinars, which have attracted participants from across Africa, further strengthening its continental reach.
What started as sessions for a limited group of beneficiaries has now grown into a broader platform, drawing interest from individuals beyond the organisation’s immediate network.
New initiatives to deepen impact
As part of efforts to expand its reach, DTI-A has launched the “Built for More” Institute, which will offer structured in-person training programmes to complement its online initiatives.
The organisation has also introduced a “Built for More” merchandise line aimed at raising awareness and supporting its programmes.
According to Ms Hackman, the concept is rooted in personal growth and the belief that stepping outside one’s comfort zone leads to greater opportunities.
“When you purchase from the collection, you are not just buying something motivational—you are supporting a young person’s journey,” she noted.
She called on individuals and institutions to support the organisation through partnerships, sponsorships and volunteerism.
Journey marked by challenges and resilience
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Ms Hackman acknowledged that the path has not been without challenges.
Running a non-profit organisation alongside other responsibilities, she said, was not part of her original plans, but has become one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life.
“I am often asked why I started this. The truth is, the answer keeps evolving. Every day, we find new reasons through the people we meet and the lives we impact,” she said.
Stakeholders commend initiative
The event was attended by corporate professionals, representatives of partner organisations, volunteers of DTI-A and several high profile personalities and corporate executives including Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Bernard Gyebi, Patricia Obonai, Afi Amoro, Adwoa Wiafe, Kwame Sarpong Barnieh, Stonebwoy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Godfred Yeboah Dame, among others.
Their presence underscored the growing recognition of DTI-A’s work in shaping the future of young people in Ghana and across Africa.
As the organisation continues to expand its footprint, Ms Hackman reaffirmed its mission to inspire and ignite transformation among African youth.
“African youth hold the key to our continent’s transformation. That is why we will continue to do this work,” she said.
