Changemaker Series #1: Spotlight on Ama Akuamoah

Welcome to the first installment of our Changemaker Series, where we celebrate visionaries who strive to improve the world. These individuals transform challenges into opportunities and uplift their communities. We’ll share their stories, struggles, triumphs, and lasting impacts to inspire action.

A lifelong commitment to change

We spoke with Ama Akuamoah, the Director of Market Engagement at Opportunity International’s Digital Innovations Group, for our first spotlight. Ama works as a bridge between worlds, collaborating directly with corporate, government, and philanthropic experts to design market-based solutions that serve Opportunity’s clients, primarily entrepreneurs living at the base of the economic pyramid.

Ama's journey began with the lessons she learned from her mother’s generosity, instilling in her a deep belief that no matter what you have, there is always a way to make a difference.

“My mother used food as her form of diplomacy. She would always share her food with people in the neighborhood whose circumstances weren’t very different from ours but still needed support. She believed in giving back and lifting the wider community. She did this not only for the neighborhood but also for our extended family. From an early age, she showed me what you could accomplish with even a little. Supporting the collective was always very important to her.”

That belief carried her through her early career in Ghana, where she joined an advocacy group and used radio and television to promote children’s rights. As she became more aware of the deep inequalities around her, a path in international development felt inevitable. Over the years, her work has taken her from UNICEF to Opportunity International, each step reinforcing her passion for building solutions that empower communities.

Defining moments that shaped Ama’s path

One of the defining moments in Ama’s journey occurred during a trip through Ghana’s Volta region. There, she encountered a young girl selling iced water by the roadside—a poignant reminder of the countless children compelled to work instead of attending school. This encounter stayed with Ama, and as she attended the UN General Assembly’s special session for children, she witnessed the profound influence of global policy decisions on individual lives, like that of the young girl she met. These experiences crystallized a vital realization: true transformation occurs at the intersection of small, personal moments and significant, systemic shifts.

“We were on a road trip in the Volta region of Ghana, and at some point, during the trip, we had a mechanical problem. I remember it clearly — It was getting dark, and that part of the country was chilly that night. A little girl, not much younger than I, came to our car to sell iced water. I remember speaking to her, curious to understand what she was doing there and her story. That encounter has stayed with me over the years. Her story is deeply connected to another pivotal moment from my childhood — when, at the same age, I attended the first-ever UN General Assembly special session for children. That event, organized by the UN in partnership with other bodies, left a lasting impression on me, and both moments have shaped my perspective in meaningful ways.”

Ama also learned that actual progress requires collaboration. Governments, nonprofits, and private organizations contribute to improving lives, and partnerships between state and non-state actors are critical to advancing greater equality.

Harnessing Technology for Social Impact

Ama’s career has always been driven by innovation, but her early work in fintech opened her eyes to the power of technology as a tool for economic freedom. She saw firsthand how digital finance could provide women in marginalized communities greater independence and opportunities.

“I could see how technology could leverage financial freedoms in the fintech space, especially for women in the last mile; I became hooked.”

Today, in her role at Opportunity International, she’s taking that concept further by using AI to support smallholder farmers—a group that forms the backbone of many rural economies (1/3 of the global food supply) yet often lacks access to the resources they need to thrive. One of the most exciting initiatives she leads is “Ulangizi,” an AI-powered farm copilot that delivers real-time agricultural advice through farmers’ mobile devices. The tool has already helped over 2,500 rural farmers in Malawi make more informed decisions about their crops, proving that technology when designed with the end user in mind, can be a powerful force for economic and social change.

A human-centered approach

A deep respect for the communities she serves is at the heart of Ama's work. Rather than imposing solutions, she believes in co-designing them alongside those who will use them. Whether working with smallholder farmers or advocating for digital access, her approach is grounded in humility, respect, and a commitment to transformation.

But real change doesn’t happen overnight. Despite the successes, she acknowledges the challenges—the need for faster progress, the complexity of scaling solutions, and the ongoing effort to build meaningful partnerships. Yet, these obstacles only fuel her drive to push forward, innovate, and ensure that technology is accessible to those who need it most.

Looking ahead: The future of AI and Inclusion

As she looks to the future, Ama is particularly passionate about bridging the gender gap in technology. She’s committed to ensuring that more young women can participate in the AI and digital revolution and breaking down barriers historically limiting their access to technological advancements.

She also believes that AI has the potential to revolutionize every vertical within Opportunity International, from financial inclusion to education and healthcare. The key, she says, will be continuing to build the right partnerships and ensuring that these innovations are designed with empathy and inclusivity at their core.

A call to action

For those inspired to make a difference, Ama offers simple but powerful advice: don’t wait for permission to take action. Whether partnering with a mission-driven organization or simply using your skills to contribute to a cause, every effort counts.

To learn more about Opportunity International and how you can support their work, visit opportunity.org.

Opportunity International is a nonprofit organization that empowers impoverished people through financial services, training, and support. Since 1971, it has provided microloans, savings programs, and financial education to help entrepreneurs build sustainable livelihoods. Committed to dignity and lasting impact, the organization partners with local institutions to drive economic change.

Ama’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in people's potential. She reminds us that real change doesn’t come from a single act but from the collective efforts of individuals who step up, challenge the status quo, and work toward a better future.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Changemaker Series, where we’ll continue to highlight those who are making a difference, one step at a time, and don't miss Ama Akuamoah at the Global Nonprofit Leader Summit this year! Register now to join the conversation.