From Beauty Queen to Agribusiness Leader: My Journey with Kosmos Innovation Center – Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi – Miss Agriculture Ghana

In 2016, when I emerged as 2nd Runner-Up in Ghana’s Most Beautiful, I stood at a crossroads. I had visibility. I had a voice. But deep down, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to Ghana’s agricultural sector. The challenge was, I didn’t know how. All I had was an idea, a passion, and a desire to do something impactful.

Two years later, in 2018, I took a bold step and launched the first edition of Miss Agriculture Ghana. It was exhilarating, but also a moment of awakening. Working with young women who shared my passion for agriculture made me realize something critical: I was stepping into a space I didn’t fully understand.

I needed guidance. I needed structure. I needed mentorship. That search led me to Kosmos Innovation Center.

Joining the very first KIC Women Bootcamp was a defining moment. I came in with questions, uncertainties, and a vision still taking shape. I left with clarity, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who didn’t just believe in agribusiness; they were actively building solutions within the ecosystem.

What stood out to me was KIC’s intentional focus on women. At a time when capacity building for women in agribusiness was not widely prioritized, KIC recognized the gap and took bold steps to equip women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to venture into agripreneurship. That investment in women would later shape not just my journey, but the path of many others.

Then came the KIC Military Bootcamp, an experience that pushed me beyond my limits. It was intense, demanding, and at times uncomfortable. But it built something in me I didn’t even know I needed: resilience. It strengthened my mindset, sharpened my focus, and prepared me for the realities of building something meaningful.

From that point on, my journey with KIC became more than participation, it became a partnership.

Year after year, I brought contestants from Miss Agriculture Ghana to KIC, ensuring they had access to the same training, mentorship, and exposure that transformed my own journey. I watched young women come in with raw ideas and leave with confidence, structure, and purpose. In many ways, I saw my own story in them.

Inspired by this experience and the clear need for a stronger support system for women in the sector, I co-founded the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness (CHAWA) Ghana. The goal was to create a platform that would continue the work of empowerment, providing capacity building, networking, and growth opportunities for women who are building businesses within the agricultural value chain.

Over time, my relationship with KIC evolved. I had the opportunity to contribute as a consultant in the Eastern Region, supporting agribusiness development at the community level. Today, I serve within the Communications team, telling stories of impact, stories I am deeply connected to.

As Kosmos Innovation Center marks 10 years of impact, I reflect not just as a beneficiary, but as someone whose journey has been shaped by this ecosystem.

KIC did not just support my idea, it helped me find my path.

It did not just build my capacity; it built my confidence.

It did not just give me opportunities; it helped me create them for others.

Looking back, I realize that what started as uncertainty has grown into purpose.

Today, I am proud to say:

I am not just part of the KIC story, I am a product of the impact.

I am a KIC Woman.