Technology and Creative Opportunities for the Underserved

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About Skills Sprint

Empowering Nigeria’s youth with skills for the digital economy and creating pathways to meaningful employment.

The Skills Sprint is a project based strategic development targeting SDG 8.6. We are driving Africa’s youth toward a skilled and sustainable future

In pursuit of SDG 8.6, we’ve taken on a bold mission, to equip 1 million young Africans over the next 5 years with the skills, mindset, and real-world experience to thrive in the future of work. Through project-based learning and digital empowerment, the Skills Sprint is transforming youth potential into purpose, ensuring every young person is ready to create solutions that shape the world.

Why SDG 8.6?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to “substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET)” by 2030.
In Nigeria, where over 60% of the population is under 30, this goal is critical to unlocking the nation’s human potential and driving inclusive economic growth.

2030: Unlocking the Promise of SDG 8.6

The driving force of Africa’s most vibrant, inclusive, and resilient economy.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to “substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET)” by 2030. In Nigeria, where over 60% of the population is under 30, this goal is critical to unlocking the nation’s human potential and driving inclusive economic growth.

From Unemployment to Empowerment

By 2030, Nigeria could witness a major shift as government, private sector, and development partners align efforts to turn youth from job seekers into job creators. Through investments in digital skills, green jobs, and entrepreneurship hubs, millions of young Nigerians could find meaningful work in sectors like tech, renewable energy, agriculture, and creative industries. The rise of “Made in Nigeria” digital startups and export-ready SMEs would reflect a new economy driven by innovation rather than oil.

Revolutionizing Education and Skills

Education systems are expected to move beyond theory into practical, skill-based learning. By integrating TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), entrepreneurship education, and digital literacy from secondary school to tertiary institutions, Nigeria could drastically reduce its NEET rate. Platforms like SkillSprint.ng and YouthBiz.ng may become national models, linking young people directly to mentorship, funding, and markets.

Public-Private Partnerships for Impact

Partnerships between government, corporate bodies, and international donors will determine Nigeria’s success. Through youth-focused investment funds, startup tax incentives, and innovation zones, the country can create sustainable employment ecosystems. By 2030, Nigeria could become a case study in how coordinated action achieved SDG 8.6 — transforming demographic potential into productive power.

OnTheJob Roadmap

3 weeks

Information and Awareness Session

From the Day of registration, participants are guided to set up their LinkedIn profile and join the community where they receive daily updates about the project and are engaged by Mentors.

Program Lifetime

Mentorship Pairing And Pre-Induction Engagement

A group of 5 YNEETs are attached to a virtual mentor who engages them on a daily basis and is committed to their success.

1 week

Induction Training: Self/Career Discovery Basic Skills Acquisition And Field Exercise

Successful participants from the pre-induction engagement attend an induction training.

3 months

Digital Marketing On-The-Job Internship Training

Successful participants are attached to nMSME and receive daily guide and support to onboard and optimize their host businesses’ online presence.

Engage Nigeria Roadmap

3 months

Call for application for beneficiaries/applicants/participants

6 months

Commencement of class activities for selected participants

2 weeks

Practical and Workshop implementation

3 months

Digital Marketing On-The-Job Internship Training

Arewa Ladies4Tech Roadmap

5 weeks

Call for Applications for all participants opens

6 weeks

Hub Selection- Shortlisting, Contracting and Repurposing

Program Lifetime

Artificial Intelligence/Data Science for Professional Development- Call, Shortlisting, Allocation to cohorts and Training

3 months

Artificial Intelligence/Data Science for Entrepreneurship Development- Call, Shortlisting, Allocation to cohorts and Training

4 weeks

Job Readiness and Project Participation Programs

2 months

AI Summer School for Girls in Secondary School

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