The Veronica Anthony Foundation, in collaboration with TechRise DTI, has launched an initiative to train Nigerians and other Africans in various digital skills as part of efforts to bridge the country’s widening technology gap, improve youth employability, and equip fresh graduates with practical and marketable skills.
The initiative, which targets people from different demographics, focuses on equipping participants with in-demand skills such as digital communication, AI tools, cloud storage, office tools (Microsoft and Google), Canva, networking, and professional growth.
Founder of Veronica Anthony Foundation, Dr Veronica Akpasoh, while speaking during the training session on Wednesday, said the training reflects a commitment to empowering Nigerians and other young African graduates with practical and marketable skills.
She said, “The Start-a-Skill programme is a collaborative initiative between Veronica Anthony Foundation and TechRise DTI aimed at equipping 1,000 youths in Africa with essential digital and workplace skills.”
Akpasoh explained that the programme was designed to address the growing mismatch between graduate qualifications and labour market demands by providing hands-on training in digital skills and career readiness, adding that the programme is a continuous initiative designed to run quarterly with three cohorts yearly.
She said, “The Start-a-Skill programme is designed to run quarterly with three cohorts yearly. We recognise that digital skills are no longer optional in today’s world. This programme is to give young Africans, especially fresh graduates, the tools they need to compete globally and create sustainable livelihoods.”
The VAF founder also emphasised that the programme was designed to address rising unemployment by preparing participants for opportunities in the global digital economy.
She further disclosed plans to expand the initiative to reach a larger audience, particularly in underserved communities, in subsequent phases.
Executive Director of TechRise DTI, Nseabasi Udondian, noted that the collaboration with VAF aligns with the foundation’s mission to promote education and youth development. “Our goal is to invest in people. When you empower one with relevant skills, you create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and the nation at large,” she stated.
She described the programme as transformative, emphasising that participants were exposed to digital skills that would keep them relevant in the ever-changing global economy and boost new career opportunities.
“This programme is to develop young people and equip them with marketable skills which are saleable in the global digital world. It is a transformative opportunity to remould our young people and give them a better life,” she added.
On his part, Emmanuel Edeminam described the SaS programme as a “catalyst for transformation,” highlighting its role in shaping participants’ futures while contributing to Africa’s growing tech ecosystem.
“As the country continues to assert itself as a player in the global tech industry, initiatives like the Start-a-Skill programme are key to building a competitive workforce,” he stated.
Also, Joseph Brendan, a director with TechRise, said the programme equipped beneficiaries with soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and other critical abilities for navigating the modern workplace. He noted that participants gained not only technical knowledge but also practical experience, preparing them for the challenges of the digital economy.
Director of Operations of VAF, Mbukobong Akpasoh, described the initiative as a testament to the power of knowledge and a major step towards solving societal challenges through technology. He noted that the world is moving rapidly in the direction of technology, urging youths to be fully equipped so as not to be left behind.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of interest the programme has generated among Africans, stressing that it would link participants with global digital trends and create employment opportunities.
