Enabling Women Entrepreneurs in Ghana with Jangala’s Technology

What does it take for women around the world to thrive in a digitally connected world? 

For women entrepreneurs in Ghana, despite advances in internet accessibility in the country, areas across the Accra region face significant connectivity challenges. With support from the Lenovo Foundation, Jangala is addressing these disparities with the innovative Big Box technology. 

Sharon Moore Apprakusu, a student at Soronko Academy where a Big Box is in operation, spoke with Jangala to update us on how the connection is working and how it is helping her to change her life, and manage her business.

From a young age, Sharon defied the traditional expectations of women in her community, and was determined to carve her own path and find her true passion. Sharon’s parents and sister believed in her, supporting her through her school and university years. 

Sharon now has a portfolio career, out of economic necessity, combining working as a Marketing Officer in an insurance company while working on her dream of setting-up a business as a beautician. Recognising that both roles require marketing skills, Sharon was aware she needed to learn digital marketing skills if she is to provide customer service and build a solid customer base in her local community.

A friend of Sharon’s suggested she check out digital marketing courses at Soronko Academy - a leading centre for technology and digital skills development in her area, which helps young people, especially women and girls, realise their economic potential. 

Jangala first installed a Big Box at Soronko Academy in April 2024. Last week, The Academy received three more Big Boxes for their mobile training teams delivering digital skills trainings in community hubs across Ghana.

Thanks to you and the Jangala team for your generous support to bring stronger and more stable internet to young people in the regions. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to driving impact together.
Regina Honu, CEO at Soronko Academy

Big Box’s robustness and cutting-edge technology provides reliable, and easy-to-deploy internet connectivity. Now teachers at Soronko Academy can easily connect to the internet and access necessary resources. “I think all of the online courses at Soronko depend on the box,” Sharon said. 

The courses cover graphic design, digital tools like Canva, and website building with Figma. “I was amazed by how much we can do with the right tools,” she noted. In her time at Soronko Academy, Sharon learned social media management, web development, and WordPress, all online. Her newly acquired skills have entirely transformed how she manages her business and interacts with customers.

When discussing digital skills accessibility, Sharon noted that women in her community severely lack these skills.

 “Every time I talk to women in my community, I think, what if they knew what I know? They could change their entire lives.”

With ongoing support from the Lenovo Foundation, one of Jangala’s goals is to empower more female entrepreneurs like Sharon by providing a framework of innovative technology capable of delivering reliable internet connectivity. Having such access to the internet opens the door to endless opportunities and resources essential for establishing successful businesses, and as a result, empowering women entrepreneurs in Ghana and around the world.