The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Mr. Malik Basintale, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with dancehall star Shatta Wale and his ride-hailing initiative, SHAXI, aimed at creating thousands of jobs for young people across Ghana.

In a strategic move to drive youth employment through innovation and entrepreneurship, the YEA will provide operational support to the first 2,000 vehicles registered on the SHAXI platform.

Each vehicle will receive GHC500 worth of fuel coupons monthly for six months — a significant intervention to reduce the cost burden on drivers and encourage participation among unemployed youth.

“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government institutions and creative minds come together for a common purpose — empowering the youth and transforming lives,” said Mr. Basintale during the meeting with the SHAXI team.

To further incentivise full-time operations, SHAXI vehicles that run on a 24-hour basis will receive additional benefits.

The goal is to ensure each vehicle employs at least two young people working in shifts, doubling the employment impact while maximising productivity and earnings for the drivers.

Shatta Wale, who founded SHAXI with the vision of creating sustainable jobs for the youth, expressed excitement about the collaboration.

“This is bigger than just a ride-hailing app. It’s about giving young Ghanaians a chance at a better future, and I’m proud to partner with YEA to make that happen.”

According to him, the partnership is being hailed as a model for public-private cooperation, leveraging the influence of creative industry leaders to address national challenges like unemployment.