Richard E. Addison appointed Country Lead for Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs – Africa

Richard E. Addison has been appointed Ghana Country Lead for the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs – Africa (CAYE Africa), a continental network focused on youth enterprise development, trade expansion and policy engagement across Commonwealth member states.

The appointment is expected to strengthen Ghana’s role within the alliance, which connects youth entrepreneurship organisations and young business leaders across Africa to promote market access, enterprise growth, and coordinated policy dialogue.

Mr. Addison is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and youth development advocate with an extensive background in business leadership. He previously served as President of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, where he championed regional integration, improved access to enterprise support and policy responses to youth unemployment.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr. Addison said young entrepreneurs across Africa are seeking access rather than aid, stressing that open markets, fair financing, and strategic partnerships are more critical to sustainable enterprise growth than short-term support programmes.

He identified limited market connectivity—rather than a lack of talent or ideas—as a key constraint facing African entrepreneurs. According to him, his focus will be on strengthening trade linkages among Commonwealth countries and promoting collaboration in enterprise development, innovation, and investment.

Mr. Addison said Ghana occupies a strategic position within the Commonwealth, citing the country’s political stability, regional credibility, and long-standing tradition in diplomacy and trade. He noted that his priority would be to position Ghana as a hub where young entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and build competitive businesses for regional and global markets.

CAYE Africa operates as part of a broader Commonwealth-driven initiative aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people through trade, entrepreneurship, and cross-border cooperation.

The appointment follows Ghana’s continued engagement with the alliance. In 2023, CAYE Africa Chairperson Sherif Ghali was nominated to lead the continental network, reinforcing the organisation’s youth-led approach to enterprise development.

Mr. Addison’s mandate includes coordinating national activities, linking Ghanaian entrepreneurs to regional and continental networks, and building partnerships with government institutions, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders.

His appointment comes at a time when Ghana is implementing new policy measures under recent national budget frameworks to support small businesses and youth-led enterprises.

CAYE Africa officials said the appointment is expected to deepen Ghana’s engagement with the wider Commonwealth business network while supporting cross-border trade, enterprise growth and increased youth participation in global markets.

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