Capacity building & CSR activities at HPW: How the company is investing in the future

HPW's vision is clear: to build a growing company that invests in the skills of its employees - to ensure both short-term success and long-term sustainable economic development. HPW's strategy is to build a flexible, resilient and highly skilled workforce that will provide the foundation for future growth.

By combining internal training programmes with external initiatives, HPW is not only an employer that invests in the development of its employees, but also a company that actively contributes to social development.

HPW has launched numerous employee development programmes that have already achieved tangible success. One example is the partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, where over 20 employees have completed a one-year programme in food science. This initiative enabled employees to supplement their practical experience with an academic qualification - a significant step in their professional development. Several employees have now obtained certificates in food science and are applying their knowledge directly in the company.

In addition to training in food science, HPW has invested heavily in promoting STEM subjects (maths, IT, science and technology). One concrete example of this is the support of a local school project that teaches pupils about science and technology. This initiative not only supports the young generation in Ghana, but also ensures that HPW will be able to draw on well-trained specialists in the future.

A milestone in the CSR area is the support of health centres and the promotion of health education. HPW ensures that employees and the general population have access to important healthcare services. These initiatives not only improve people's well-being, but also increase employees' productivity and quality of life.

HPW has taken clear measures to promote women and underrepresented groups to management positions. It is noteworthy that more and more women are rising to senior positions within the company. This is supported by targeted leadership development programmes that strengthen women in their professional development and leadership skills. HPW ensures that women are not only represented in operational areas, but also in technical areas such as machine management and maintenance - areas traditionally dominated by men.

Our Montessori crèche enables mothers to remain in employment without having to give up their careers.

Another forward-looking programme is the "Future Talents Programme". This initiative was created to develop the next generation of leaders and prepare them for the challenges of 2040 and beyond.
"Future Talents focuses on strategic thinking, technological innovation and collaborative leadership. In a three-stage global programme with stops in Uganda and Ghana, participants develop innovative business ideas and gain deeper insights into topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fintech and the Internet of Things (IoT). The programme is a transformative opportunity to equip HPW's future leaders with the necessary skills for long-term success.

HPW focusses on developing local leaders to drive sustainable industrial development in Africa.

In collaboration with Ashesi University in Ghana and ETH Zurich, HPW has launched a unique Master's programme in Mechatronics Engineering. The aim of the programme is to train highly qualified engineers from Africa for Africa and thus increase local value creation.

This initiative is an excellent example of how HPW is investing in the next generation of leaders while contributing to industrial development in Africa.

Another forward-looking programme is the TVET programme (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), which HPW will launch in September 2025.
The two-year training programme offers 15 selected employees the opportunity to gain qualifications in machine operation and maintenance.
Upon completion, participants will receive a diploma that will make them attractive not only to HPW, but also to the entire industry in Ghana.

In addition to professional development, HPW offers other supportive services such as a Montessori daycare centre, free gym memberships and medical services that promote employee well-being.
These offerings have proven to be extremely effective in increasing employee satisfaction and productivity. The Montessori daycare centre in particular has helped female employees to achieve a better work-life balance. This has not only reduced stress, but also increased commitment and loyalty to the company.

For HPW, capacity building and social responsibility go hand in hand to build a strong and sustainable organisation.
The employee and community programmes have measurable impact: better qualified professionals, higher retention, stronger communities and well-trained talent for the future. HPW sets standards in all areas - from education and equality to CSR initiatives that create real added value for the region.