A total of 40 000 youth involved in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria are set to benefit from a free skills training programme.

The Enterprise Development Centre, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Transforming Nigerian Youths programme in an effort to reduce unemployment levels across the country. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that about 21.7 million Nigerians, or 27.1% of the population, were unemployed during the second quarter of 2020.

The initiative aims to increase employment opportunities by offering youth involved in MSMEs the resources and learning required to start and nurture their businesses. It will have a special focus on the creative and agricultural sectors, and women-led enterprises.

Primarily focused on the Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna states, the programme is open to anyone, especially women, between the ages of 18 and 35. Applications can be completed online.

13 October 2020
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