Home Agriculture A Trailblazer in Ghanaian Entrepreneurship: The Story of Akanzige Tanga Joshua
AgricultureGhana

A Trailblazer in Ghanaian Entrepreneurship: The Story of Akanzige Tanga Joshua

Share
Share

Starting from the vibrant streets of Sunyani in the Bono Region of Ghana, Akanzige Tanga Joshua embarked on a journey that is as inspiring as it is transformative. From selling pure water on the streets to founding innovative companies that tackle critical societal issues, Akanzige Tanga Joshua exemplifies resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship.

Humble Beginnings

“I started my journey as an entrepreneur in elementary school in 2016,” Akanzige Tanga Joshua recalls. “Selling pure water on the streets wasn’t easy, especially as it was uncommon for a young boy to take up such a task.” Despite societal expectations and an unfavorable background, he possessed an unshakable belief in achieving greatness.

During senior high school, where he studied General Science, Akanzige Tanga Joshua nurtured a growing passion for agriculture and business. He sold Sobolo drinks while balancing academic rigor and entrepreneurial pursuits. “Combining academics and business was challenging, but staying focused and organized helped me persevere,” he reflects.

Building a Vision at University

The next chapter of Akanzige Tanga Joshua’s journey unfolded at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, where he pursued a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Here, he founded Deyoke Foods Ltd, a company dedicated to producing iron supplements to combat iron deficiency anemia. Founded in July 2024, Deyoke Foods has already achieved remarkable milestones.

“Every year, 500 million people are affected by this issue, particularly pregnant women,” he explains. “We saw an opportunity to address this organically through innovative and sustainable solutions.”

Deyoke Foods focuses on unlocking the potential of Turkey Berry, a highly nutritious and underutilized crop. The company processes Turkey Berry into two main products:

  • Turkey Berry Powder: This nutrient-dense powder is designed to enhance recipes, providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Turkey Berry Tea: A caffeine-free beverage that combines refreshing flavor with health benefits, particularly for addressing iron deficiency.

“Our innovative processing methods preserve the natural goodness of Turkey Berry while making it versatile and easy to incorporate into daily diets,” Joshua explains. The company also emphasizes sustainability in its operations, ensuring that production minimizes waste and maximizes impact.

Currently, the company operates with a team of 4 individuals managing its affairs, 15 casual workers, and 8 permanent employees. They anticipate creating 145 direct and indirect jobs within two years of operation.

Deyoke Foods has partnered with Kosmos Innovation Center and Mastercard Foundation, leveraging these collaborations to scale its impact. Winning funding at the Youth Innovation Circles Pitching Competition marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Joshua’s leadership has also helped a team member achieve recognition as part of the Black Sisters and a Seed Scholar.

Despite facing challenges like rejection and setbacks during funding pitches, Akanzige Tanga Joshua and his team remained committed. “Rejection taught us to be resilient,” he shares. “Our passion fuels our vision to prove the doubters wrong.”

Achievements and Milestones

Among his proudest achievements are leading his class in significant projects and working with the College for Community and Organizational Development, which provided him with invaluable insights into leadership and teamwork. His efforts bore fruit when Deyoke Foods won funding at the Youth Innovation Circles Pitch & Demo Day. “This success fuels our commitment to bringing our groundbreaking solutions to a wider audience,” he states.

Under Akanzige Tanga Joshua’s leadership, Deyoke Foods has redefined agricultural entrepreneurship in Ghana. The company’s mission goes beyond addressing iron deficiency; it also tackles post-harvest losses by creating a market for Turkey Berry, ensuring farmers have a reliable outlet for their produce. “Agriculture isn’t just a livelihood; it’s a pathway to empowerment and community resilience,” he asserts.

Expanding Horizons

Beyond his work with Deyoke Foods, Akanzige Tanga Joshua founded two youth-focused organizations: Young Achievers Network (YAN) and Breakthrough Inspirations Ghana. Since 2021, these initiatives have empowered young Africans through leadership training, mentorship, and personal development seminars. “I’m driven by a passion to change mindsets and equip young people with the tools they need to achieve their potential,” he says.

Young Achievers Network (YAN) focuses on providing a platform for youth to grow and develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The organization hosts workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs aimed at empowering young individuals to discover their strengths and make meaningful contributions to their communities. “YAN is about creating opportunities for young people to thrive,” Akanzige Tanga Joshua explains. “We believe in fostering resilience and leadership for the next generation.”

Breakthrough Inspirations Ghana, on the other hand, takes a more personal development-oriented approach. With a mission to inspire and motivate, the organization conducts inspirational events, coaching sessions, and community impact initiatives. “Our goal is to change mindsets and spark positive transformation,” he notes. Breakthrough Inspirations Ghana also produces motivational content like books and videos to reach a broader audience.

Through these organizations, Akanzige Tanga Joshua has reached thousands of young people, instilling in them the confidence and skills necessary to achieve their goals. “It’s about igniting the fire within,” he emphasizes.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on his journey, Akanzige Tanga Joshua emphasizes the importance of resilience. “There’s no shortcut to success,” he advises. “Go through the process and ask for help when needed.” His key lesson? “Always be prepared for challenges and never depend too much on others.”

As he looks to the future, Akanzige Tanga Joshua is excited about emerging agricultural innovations and is developing smart farming systems to simplify and modernize farming practices. “We’re working on new products from the same raw materials,” he reveals, underscoring his commitment to sustainable growth.

A Vision for Africa and Beyond

Akanzige Tanga Joshua’s story is one of overcoming obstacles and redefining possibilities. Through Deyoke Foods and his youth empowerment initiatives, he is not just shaping the agricultural landscape but also inspiring a generation of Africans to dream bigger and aim higher. “When I started, I believed agriculture could transform lives,” he says. “Today, that belief is a blueprint for change.”

“This year, we didn’t just process Turkey Berry or develop agricultural innovations. We challenged the narrative that farming is just a livelihood – we showed it’s a pathway to empowerment, nutrition, and community resilience.”

From the streets of Sunyani to the forefront of innovation, Akanzige Tanga Joshua’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a vision to create lasting impact.

Share
Related Articles

A New Beginning: Rodney’s Forex Legacy

Rodney Oheneba Ahenkan, affectionately known as Papa Smurf, isn’t your typical forex...

Joseph Anokye: From Struggle to Agri-Food Success

In the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Region lies a small farming community...

Stephanie Meltus: From Farm Girl to Agri-Tech Innovator

Stephanie Meltus grew up in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, surrounded by the...

Ekins Kuuzie: From Medicine to Entrepreneurship, Transforming Ghana’s Healthcare and Education

Ekins Kuuzie’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of innovation,...