Mastercard Foundation has partnered with Enterprise Development Centre EDC, Pan-Atlantic University, to train, as well as create 200,000 jobs for Nigerian youths, in the next five years. Disclosing this on Monday, in Lagos, Mr. Peter Bankole, Director, EDC, Pan-Atlantic University said through the partnership, Nigerian youths will be trained and supported with resources. He said, “As we train and build their capacity, we will equally support them, and at the end of the day, they will create at least another 200,000 jobs.” He said that the programme is open to all, and is primarily focused on Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna States. He said: “Through this programme, 40,000 young people will be supported with the resources and learning required for starting, growing, and expanding their businesses, every year for the next five years.
“The programme will also provide support and resources to young people, who want to become employable in the creative and agricultural sectors.” Bankole disclosed that Sterling Bank is one of the key partners of the programme, as he added that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund will provide financing for those in Lagos, at nine percent interest rate per annum. According to Chidinma Lawanson, Country head, Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, the initiative will prepare and enable young people to pursue their aspirations, as well as create productive livelihoods for themselves and others. She said: “We at Mastercard Foundation are very strong on capacity building and financial inclusion. So, we have had interventions across more than 100 countries, but in 2016, when we clocked 10 years, we restrategized internally, to come up with what we called Young Africa Works strategy, which is unlocking employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for 30 million young Africans by the year 2030.
