The Stanford Institute for Innovation In Developing Economies (SEED) has honoured 21 companies from across West Africa who participated in the Transformation Program in a commencement ceremony held at the SEED West Africa Centre, in Accra.

The SEED Centre played host to senior public officials, entrepreneurs, major industry players, the media and SEED representatives.

Mr. Winfred Agbeibor Jr., the Regional Director of SEED West Africa, in his welcome address highlighted that, “SEED has collaborated with various organisations and institutions, industry captains, entrepreneurs, and governments to evolve the SEED Transformation Program. By the time these businesses go through the transformation process, SEED’s intent is to make them ready to mirror and outshine global brands through a mindset shift.”

In the last year alone SEED has worked with seventy-four companies across West Africa in key sectors of the economy including agriculture, ICT, health, education, water and sanitation, and energy. Participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’ivoire, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone have been engaged in rigorous experiential learning and coaching model tailored to drive transformational change in their organisations and with direct impact on their societies where they create jobs.

Dr. Tralance Addy, the Executive Director of SEED, in his address mentioned that collectively the participating companies represent a broad range of industrial sectors that are critical to economic growth and the creation of the kinds of stable jobs that hold promise to elevate many out of poverty.

Dr. Addy commended the class of 2014 for embracing the challenge of transforming their companies and seizing the opportunity to make a difference in their world.

Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Communication Network Support Services Limited in Nigeria, in his keynote address to the audience highlighted the challenges of building a business in Africa from his experience. He continued by stating that “the journey of an entrepreneur is turning and winding, sometimes running for successes with no end but when done rightly, with consistency of purpose, this journey can be very rewarding. Given an opportunity, entrepreneurship should impact on many lives as it helps to build nations. And for me as an investor in people, I cannot do anything more than be an entrepreneur.

Engr. Adebayo, who was also the Guest of Honour, acknowledged SEED for the good work underway in developing economies across Africa and entreated the companies to go on to make important contributions to society.