How to apply for 24-hour economy GH₵5K to GH₵500K youth business loan
Young Ghanaians aged between 18 and 35 can now apply for start-up business financing ranging from GH₵5,000 to GH₵500,000 under the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+).
The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to promote entrepreneurship, industrial growth, job creation, and export development. Successful applicants will also benefit from digital skills training, internships, tax incentives, and access to concessionary funding.
Below is a clear step-by-step guide on how to apply.
Step 1: Visit the Official 24H+ Portal
Applicants are required to access the official programme website via the 24H+ portal to begin the application process.
Step 2: Go to the “Contact Us" page. Section
On the homepage, navigate to the “Contact Us” tab to view available application options and programme details.
Step 3: Select the “Expression of Interest" form.
Click on the “Expression of Interest Form” to start your registration and indicate your interest in participating in the programme.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Opportunity
Applicants must select the relevant category under the 24H+ programme. Options include:
Entrepreneurship or start-up business funding
Becoming a 24/7 Ready Business
Agro-processing and farming initiatives
Industrial park participation (e.g., Tamale Air Cargo Hub, Wumbei Industrial Park)
Creative sector opportunities (National Creators’ Academy)
Transport and logistics (Volta Lake transport system)
Step 5: Fill in Personal and Business Details
Applicants will be required to provide accurate information, including:
Full name
Age and contact details
Region and location
Educational background
Business idea or existing business information
Relevant skills and experience
Step 6: Submit Your Application Online
After completing the form, submit it through the portal. Applications will be reviewed by the 24H+ Secretariat, with additional opportunities expected in future phases of the programme.
Benefits of the 24H+ Youth Loan Programme
Selected applicants may access:
Business loans ranging from GH₵5,000 to GH₵500,000
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Free digital skills training across TVET centres nationwide
Internships with partner organisations
Concessionary financing via Development Bank Ghana
Equity funding support through venture capital schemes
Additional Government Incentives for Businesses
The programme also includes broader incentives such as the following:
Reduced corporate income tax for shift-based operations
Priority access to utilities like electricity and water
Import tax exemptions on key machinery and raw materials
VAT relief for selected sectors
Export performance rebates
Tax-free periods for new businesses in manufacturing, ICT, agro-processing and tourism
Government’s Objective for the Programme
According to President John Dramani Mahama, the 24H+ initiative is designed as a “holistic, integrated multisectoral programme” aimed at removing barriers to production, expanding industrial capacity, and creating sustainable jobs for young people across Ghana.
Edem Kwame
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football. Known for his in-depth match analysis and timely reporting on the Black Stars, Edem brings a fan's passion and a reporter's rigor to every story he covers. His work spans breaking news, player features, and tournament coverage, including Ghana's campaigns on the continental and global stage. When he's not chasing the latest football headlines, Edem follows broader developments across Ghanaian society, bringing readers clear, well-researched journalism they can trust.
