SAWA Program: Newage begins training of first cohort of ‘urban bluers’

Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. has held the first hands-on field training for participants in its Urban Blue initiative, under the Sustainable Aquaculture for Women Advancement (SAWA) Program at the Saletso Industrial Hub at Okwenya in the Eastern Region of Ghana, marking a new stage in their preparation to establish home-based catfish production businesses.

The training combines practical catfish production exercises, business guidance, and safeguarding education to prepare young women for home-based aquaculture enterprises. Held on October 15, 2026, the training brought together the first cohort of female participants known as Bluers, who had completed the initiative’s online learning course. The sessions moved beyond theory, giving participants practical exposure to catfish production, tank assembly, water management and stocking density, alongside business guidance and a session on Gender, Safeguarding and Inclusion.

Led by Mr. Ken Nelson, the practical aquaculture sessions covered feeding practices, water management, identifying signs of fish illness and determining appropriate stocking density based on tank capacity. Participants also worked in teams to assemble and fix their tarpaulin fish tanks, determine appropriate water levels and stocking density. The exercise gave the Bluers an opportunity to practice tasks they will need to undertake when they receive their starter packages and establish their own production units at home.

It also encouraged teamwork, shared problem-solving and peer learning. Beyond the practical demonstrations, Newage’s General Manager, Mr. Martin Tettey Nartey, facilitated a business-focused session that introduced participants to considerations involved in turning their aquaculture skills into a livelihood. The program also included a tour of Adwenepa Hub, another initiative under the SAWA Program, and Saletso’s cereal processing unit, where Evivi Foods products are produced, including a Tom-Brown processing site.

The visit exposed participants to food processing and the wider possibilities of value addition within agribusiness. A Gender, Safeguarding and Inclusion session led by Ms. Berlinda Sarfoa Owiredu addressed respectful conduct, safe and inclusive environments, and how participants can raise concerns and seek support if they experience or witness unsafe behavior.

For Gariba, one of the Bluers, the practical experience was particularly significant. She shared that she had joined the initiative despite initially disliking catfish because she wanted to challenge herself to try something new. Although she had doubts at the beginning, she said the hands-on training had helped ease her fears and strengthened her willingness to commit to the business as her own.

About SAWA Program The Sustainable Aquaculture for Women Advancement (SAWA) Program is a four-year national initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Ltd spanning 2026 to 2030, designed to address systemic constraints while unlocking inclusive economic opportunities within the aquaculture sector. The Program is a women-centred initiative that seeks to unlock 60,000 dignified and fulfilling jobs for young women aged 18–35 years, including 3,000 young women with disabilities, across the aquaculture value chain i.e. tilapia and catfish.

The SAWA Program is being implemented in collaboration with a consortium of strategic partners, including Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. About Urban Blue Initiative Through its Urban Blue initiative, Newage seeks to support women aged 18–35 who are interested in establishing homebased catfish production businesses. Selected participants receive training, technical support and a starter package comprising a tarpaulin fish tank, juvenile catfish and fish feed.

Before attending the physical training, they complete an online course covering catfish production and foundational business concepts. According to Newage, the initiative received over 1,000 applications. Applicants were assessed against the program’s selection requirements, and successful candidates were organised into cohorts for training. The first cohort’s field training marks an important step in Urban Blue’s rollout, with further cohorts expected to follow.