Cropped image of business woman using app on her tablet
Mswitch, an Abuja-based creative hub, has partnered with AfriLabs, a technology and innovation-focused organisation, to provide training and technical support to 2,000 young Nigerians across various industries.
The partnership was formalised on Monday in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as both organisations seek to tackle Nigeria’s rising youth unemployment crisis.
Speaking at the event, Mswitch’s Executive Director, Zainab Salami, identified the skills gap as a major contributor to unemployment in Nigeria. She explained that the initiative aims to equip young creatives with essential tools and resources to enhance their capabilities, ultimately fostering national economic growth.
Salami emphasised that beyond job placements, the initiative is designed to create long-term career opportunities for young professionals.
“We are investing in infrastructure by setting up fully equipped co-working spaces with round-the-clock electricity, high-speed internet, and industry-standard tools to boost productivity,” she said.
Participants will receive intensive training in high-demand skills and be connected to global job opportunities.
“This initiative is not just about reducing unemployment; it is about positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy,” she added. “By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, we are creating sustainable career pathways for young Nigerians while attracting international employers.”
AfriLabs CEO, Ajibola Odukoya, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the programme aligns with AfriLabs’ mission to curb brain drain by providing world-class job opportunities within Africa.
“Many skilled Africans leave the continent in search of better prospects. Our goal is to reverse this trend by offering competitive job opportunities locally,” Odukoya explained. “This will enable African talents to work on international projects while remaining in their home countries and contributing to local innovation.”
Mswitch Co-Founder, Salami Kadir, also stressed the importance of granting young Nigerians access to meaningful opportunities.
“Nigeria has an abundance of young talent, but access to the right opportunities remains a challenge,” he said. “Success is often dependent on one’s network and exposure, and this initiative is designed to bridge that gap.”
“With this programme, Mswitch and its partners aim to transform Nigeria into a thriving hub for digital and creative professionals, fostering innovation and sustainable economic growth,” Kadir concluded.
