Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities

In Nigeria, Young Africa is equipping young people with the practical skills, confidence, and opportunities to shape their own futures. Through the Youth Employability Booster (YEB) programme  -implemented with support from the Mastercard Foundation- we are reaching youth across Abuja, Edo, Lagos, Anambra, and Ondo, delivering transformative training and mentorship that connect learning directly to livelihoods.

Our approach combines mobile technical and vocational training, the Franchise Business Model (FBM), which links accredited training institutes with local master craftspersons, and the Tailored Business Model, designed to strengthen female-led enterprises through mentorship and business coaching. Together, these interventions are helping thousands of young people and women-owned microenterprises turn skills into sustainable income and independence.

💬 “For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved cooking, but I never had the skills or opportunity to make it a profession. With Young Africa’s training, I’ve gained practical knowledge that’s helping me build a real business,” says Patience Barnabas, a catering trainee from Abuja. “Now, I can proudly say I’m not just cooking – I’m growing.”

Across training centers and communities, mastercrafts -the local experts guiding this learning journey- are witnessing transformation firsthand.

💬 “What makes Young Africa different is that we teach by doing. My students are in the kitchen, practicing daily. They are not just learning skills; they are learning discipline, creativity, and business ethics,” shares Esther Michael, a catering and culinary mastercraft from Abuja.

💬 Mrs. Grace Oladipo, a business mentor from FCT, echoes this impact: “When I mentor young women through the tailored business model, I see how simple changes -like record keeping or customer service- can turn a struggling venture into a thriving enterprise. It’s deeply rewarding.”

So far, nearly 500 participants have benefitted from the Integral Mobile Training in catering, fashion (tailoring and hairdressing), and bag making, while more than 720 youth are preparing to enroll in the next cohort, expanding into new skills such as fishery, poultry, piggery, snail farming, and garment making.

Currently, over 200 female entrepreneurs are receiving mentorship and tailored business support. Through the franchise business model, an additional 400 women-led agro-businesses are set to commence hands-on mentorship and 300 youths will be trained in the coming months.

Behind every skill gained is a story of courage and transformation: young Nigerians taking charge of their futures, and communities rising with them. Because when young people succeed, Nigeria thrives. 💚