In a rapidly evolving & volatile business landscape, the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with essential technological skills cannot be overstated. Recognizing this crucial need, a consortium of international and local organizations recently conducted an intensive training program aimed at fostering digital literacy among Nigeria's emerging business leaders.

From August 12th to 14th, 2024, representatives from the team here at APDC Group participated in a comprehensive Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Training of Trainers and Mentors (ToTM) program in Abuja, Nigeria. This initiative was powered by a collaboration of esteemed organizations, including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, GOPA Worldwide Consultants GmbH (GOPA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), among other notable institutions.

The Centre’s participation underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of digital education and entrepreneurship support. The team was led by Mr. Maaruf Yakub, Operational Lead & Director of Programmes, Policy & Partnerships, alongside Ms. Favour Akpeji, Enterprise Development Lead & Business Development Manager, and Engr. Patrick Tawo, Digital Lead & Head of Knowledge Management & ICT. The three-day program provided an immersive learning experience, focusing on delivering digital skills education to emerging entrepreneurs. It emphasized a hands-on approach to teaching various digital tools and platforms essential for modern business operations. Participants gained valuable insights into several key areas:  
•    Familiarization with digital tools to empower entrepreneurs to start and carry out their business operations effectively.  
•    Mastering adult learning principles and implementing adaptive teaching and learning strategies for varying tech literacy levels.  
•    Crafting engaging digital training modules  
•    Best practices for individual and group training, mentoring, and coaching. 

The training's comprehensive approach ensured participants were well-equipped to share their knowledge. Upon completion, they were awarded certificates of competence by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, Head of the Digital Literacy Unit at NITDA.

Mr. Peik Bruhms, the GOPA team leader, Mr. Ismaeel Lawal, Dr. Ed Canela (MSME development and digital solutions expert), along with Dr. Natasha Aduloju-Ajijola, Ms. Gbeke Oshinowo, Ms. Avess Abutu, and others from the GIZ & DTC Team, played pivotal roles in sharing their expertise and creating a stimulating learning environment. Their contributions, alongside those from NITDA and SMEDAN representatives, were instrumental in the program’s success.

As Nigeria continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, initiatives like the DSE Training of Trainers and Mentors program play a crucial role in bridging the digital skills gap.

The Centre extends its gratitude to all participating organizations and individuals who made this transformative experience possible and pledges its commitment to leveraging this newly acquired skillset to further its mission of empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs!

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