The Veronica Anthony Foundation (VAF), in collaboration with TechRise DTI, has launched a digital skills training initiative aimed at equipping 1,000 youths across Africa with practical competencies needed to compete in today’s global economy.
The programme, titled Start-a-Skill (SaS), is designed to address Nigeria’s widening technology gap while improving youth employability and preparing fresh graduates for real-world opportunities. It targets participants from diverse backgrounds and focuses on building both technical and workplace-ready skills.
According to the organisers, beneficiaries will be trained in key areas including digital communication, the use of AI tools, cloud storage systems, office productivity tools such as Microsoft and Google suites, Canva design, networking, and broader professional development.
Founder of VAF, Dr Veronica Akpasoh, said the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to empower young Nigerians and other Africans with relevant, marketable skills that align with current labour market demands.
“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,” she said during a training session held on Wednesday.
Akpasoh noted that the programme was developed in response to the growing mismatch between academic qualifications and industry needs, stressing that many graduates lack the practical experience required to secure meaningful employment.
She explained that the initiative is structured as a continuous programme, running quarterly with three cohorts each year. “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,” she added.
She further stated that beyond skills acquisition, the programme is positioned to tackle rising unemployment by enabling participants to access opportunities within the global digital economy.
Akpasoh also revealed plans to expand the initiative in subsequent phases to reach more underserved communities across Africa, widening access to digital education and training.
Executive Director of TechRise DTI, Nseabasi Udondian, said the partnership aligns with the organisation’s broader goal of promoting education and youth development through strategic interventions.
“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 said.
Udondian described the programme as a transformative platform that exposes participants to evolving digital trends while opening up new career pathways. She added that the initiative is designed not only to build competence but also to reshape the future of young Africans.
“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 stated.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Edeminam described the SaS initiative as a “catalyst for transformation,” noting its potential to shape individual career paths while contributing to Africa’s broader technology 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 said.
Joseph Brendan, a director at TechRise, emphasised that the programme goes beyond technical training to include soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential in today’s workplace.
He added that participants gain hands-on experience that prepares them to navigate the demands of the modern digital economy.
On his part, Director of Operations at VAF, Mbukobong Akpasoh, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of how knowledge can be leveraged to solve societal challenges.
He urged young people to take advantage of such opportunities, noting that the global shift towards technology requires proactive learning and adaptability.
Akpasoh expressed satisfaction with the level of interest the programme has generated, adding that it is expected to connect participants with global trends while creating pathways for employment and economic growth.
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