GYTIS 2026 — Ghana–Yorkshire Trade & Investment Summit  |  11th–12th September 2026  |  University of Bradford  |  #GYTIS2026
OUR PROJECTS

Ideas into action. People into possibility.

From empowering young men and women to creating cultural connections and building international partnerships, our projects create spaces for learning, participation, enterprise and positive change.

The Inside View with Nana project
FIVE INITIATIVES Empowerment • Culture • Opportunity
OUR PROJECTS

Creating spaces for people to grow.

SHOFT's projects provide practical platforms for education, conversation, mentorship, entrepreneurship, cultural expression, participation and partnership.

Each initiative responds to different opportunities and challenges within communities, while sharing a common purpose: helping people develop their potential and shape better futures.

Explore the initiatives below to understand what each project is designed to achieve and the communities it seeks to engage.

Participants involved in a SHOFT project
PURPOSE Empower • Connect • Transform
FEATURED INITIATIVES

Projects designed to create possibility.

Discover the initiatives that form part of SHOFT's work across empowerment, education, cultural identity, enterprise and partnership.

The Inside View with Nana 01
TALK SHOW • EDUCATION • EMPOWERMENT

The Inside View with Nana

"The Inside View" is an aspiring educative and empowering talk show and podcast seeking to answer unanswered questions of everyday people, introduce new perspectives on issues pertaining to life and provide motivation to the ordinary man or woman.

The show brings together guests with wide-ranging experiences whose life stories can engage and motivate viewers to aim for higher heights in life.

It also creates an avenue for everyday people to become more informed about health issues that may be considered taboo in some communities, helping to uncover truths and encourage people towards their goals.

Explore Stories
EM3RGE project 02
YOUTH • MENTORSHIP • EMPOWERMENT

EM3RGE

EM3RGE focuses on empowering, transforming and reshaping the mindsets of boys and young men.

The project seeks to support male youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to become more responsible and principled men in society.

Through a safe created space, participants, mentors, educators and community resource personnel explore themes including identity, purpose, boy empowerment and mental health.

Mentorship Signposting Volunteering
Igniting Dreams Business Exhibition 03
WOMEN • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • BUSINESS

Igniting Dreams

Igniting Dreams Business Exhibition is a yearly event and a SHOFT initiative designed to empower women and young girls to build entrepreneurial awareness and skills.

The event is aimed at women and young girls interested in business start-ups or looking to progress entrepreneurial ideas into fruitful ventures.

A central feature is the pitch-bazaar, where registered attendees can showcase businesses or ideas to potential investors, partners, customers and market drivers.

Participants can also receive one-on-one mentorship from selected entrepreneurs, helping provide a roadmap for pursuing an enterprising idea.

Pitch-Bazaar Mentorship Networking
Threads of Identity project 04
CULTURE • IDENTITY • FASHION

Threads of Identity

Threads of Identity celebrates and explores the intersection of African fabrics, textiles and identity.

The project highlights the significance, stories and inspiration behind traditional African fabrics as a powerful expression of both personal and collective identity.

It also provides a platform for talented and aspiring models to showcase their fashion sense and skills.

Beyond fashion, Threads of Identity seeks to reconnect people with cultural roots while promoting unity and cohesion among Africans in the diaspora, particularly in the UK.

Ghana Yorkshire Trade and Investment Summit 2026 05
TRADE • INVESTMENT • PARTNERSHIP

Ghana–Yorkshire Trade & Investment Summit 2026

Building Bridges, Creating Value, Delivering Prosperity.

GYTIS 2026 is a high-level international platform designed to foster strategic partnerships, trade expansion and investment collaboration between Ghana and Yorkshire.

Hosted at the University of Bradford, the summit brings together business, government, exporters, manufacturers, SMEs, diaspora entrepreneurs, public sector organisations and innovation ecosystems.

Trade Investment Innovation Networking

Summit Focus

  • Strengthening Ghana–Yorkshire economic relations
  • Promoting bilateral trade and investment opportunities
  • Driving innovation and sustainable growth
  • Creating long-term partnerships across sectors

What to Expect

  • Keynote speeches
  • Panel discussions
  • Investment showcases
  • Networking sessions
  • Cultural exchange activities

Partners

University of Bradford Ghana Scholarly Society City of Bradford West Yorkshire Combined Authority Ghana High Commission
PROJECTS IN ACTION

See the work. Hear the stories.

Go beyond the descriptions and experience some of the conversations, events and moments that bring SHOFT's projects to life.

EM3RGE

EM3RGE — Empowering Young Men

Discover the conversations, experiences and perspectives behind EM3RGE and its work to support boys and young men.

EM3RGE

EM3RGE — Event Highlights

A look into the EM3RGE experience and the people, conversations and ideas contributing to positive change.

IGNITING DREAMS

Igniting Dreams — Part 1

Celebrating the journeys, aspirations and entrepreneurial potential of women and young girls through the Igniting Dreams initiative.

IGNITING DREAMS

Igniting Dreams — Part 2

More moments from Igniting Dreams, highlighting empowerment, entrepreneurship and the importance of creating opportunities for women and young girls.

OUR PURPOSE

Create spaces. Unlock potential.

Our projects are designed to create opportunities for people to learn, connect, participate, develop confidence and pursue their potential.

OUR APPROACH

Connect people. Build partnerships.

We bring together communities, mentors, educators, entrepreneurs, organisations, public bodies and other stakeholders around shared opportunities and common goals.

WORK WITH US

Have an idea? Let's create impact.

SHOFT welcomes opportunities to collaborate with organisations, community groups, institutions, businesses and individuals who share a commitment to creating positive change.