“Wow, it’s back! June remains one of my favourite months on Citi FM. Since the days it used to be called Management Development Month.”
This was one of many WhatsApp messages I received when Citi FM and Channel One TV broke communication for this year’s Citi Business Festival.
It was after I posted the flyer on my status. The messages kept pouring in and once the on-air series started, it was commendation after commendation when each episode aired.
Really, it pointed to one thing. Listeners and viewers are hungry for practical knowledge and information that will reposition either their lives or businesses for growth and opportunity.
Over the years, the Citi Business Festival has been a masterclass for personal and business transformation and the 2025 edition was no exception.
The month-long festival this year was full of thought-provoking discussions featured in on-air conversations, documentaries, forums, fairs and everything in-between.
Whether it’s taking small steps towards personal financial discipline, embracing agriculture as a business, building a sustainable SME or gearing up for the digital economy – the 2025 Citi Business Festival got it all covered.
June has ended and it’s a wrap of the 2025 Citi Business Festival. This write-up leaves you with some take-aways and reflections from the many expert sessions. Until the Festival comes your way again next year, chew on these:
It’s never too late to make a change
Whether in business or in life – just start. Be it personal growth or business restructuring, start where you are. Reset, Refocus and Re-strategise when you need to. There’s no perfect time; the right time is when you realise change is needed. Every day is a new chance to realign your goals and take action. Simplicita!
Agriculture still the backbone of our economy
Far from being a cliché. The huge turnout at the AgriFair is undoubtedly a wake-up call that agriculture remains our most reliable path to food security and self-sufficiency. The real bottleneck however? The seed and input business. They’re critical to unlocking agricultural transformation and it’s time we paid more attention here. Without quality seeds and reliable inputs, harnessing the full potential of the sector will remain a dream.
See beyond the risks; agric is a goldmine
Yes, it’s risky just like any other sector or industry, but with risk comes opportunity. Whether as a side hustle or a full-time venture, the agric value-chain has a huge untapped potential waiting for bold players. The time to enter is now.
Trade tariff disputes matter more than we think
The disputes are sending a strong message. Which message? An opportunity for local solutions. The global trade wars signal the need for Ghana and Africa to build homegrown solutions and reduce dependency on imports and tame the over-reliance on aid.
DDEP shouldn’t discourage you – Keep investing
The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) may have shaken investor confidence but the need to save and invest is non-negotiable. Diversify your funds. T-Bills here, Fixed Deposits or Collective Investment Schemes there. Spread your risk for financial security.
Real estate is a wealth building asset class
From rent to resale investments. Whether it’s buying to rent or holding to resell; real estate could fetch you some extra income. This is emerging as a cash-generating asset class for creating long-term wealth.
Be your own ‘pocket lawyer’
You don’t need a law degree, but understanding basic business and personal legal issues or having someone expose you to them can save you a lot of trouble down the road. The other side may be the exemptions you could be enjoying as a business as well.
Borrow, but be strategic
If you must borrow, do it within your means and for something that generates returns. Debt should serve a productive purpose. Don’t borrow to fund consumption or lifestyle.
Don’t joke with branding
You might have the best product or service but without a visible and trusted brand, customers won’t engage. Which is why investing in building your brand and your marketing is a very important strategic business element.
The future is AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are fast reshaping industries. AI will redefine business operation in the next year or two and the earlier Ghanaian entrepreneurs, policymakers and workers start thinking about how to automate processes and integrate AI into their work life, the better. We all need to get ahead of this curve or risk being left behind.
The gig economy is here to stay
Yes, read well. It’s growing. It’s getting real. Having multiple income streams is no longer a luxury but a necessity. So learn a digital skill. Start a side hustle. Solve problems and build as many streams of income you can. It is not as far-fetched as you think.
Never cease learning
Knowledge remains one’s most valuable personal and business asset. It’s the greatest competitive advantage. Whether it’s reading, listening or participating in forums, keep learning.
