NITDA in Collaboration with Google to Train MSMEs For Free

NITDA in Collaboration with Google to Train MSMEs For Free

NEWS DIGEST – A Google Hustle Academy Bootcamp, 2022, has been developed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Google Nigeria to offer free online training for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs). The program will support career development and enhance company processes, assisting MSMEs in realigning and boosting their revenue-generating.

“We are excited about this partnership with Google Nigeria, in line with our initiative of building the capacity of one million software developers by the end of 2023. The programme will assist small businesses grow by increasing revenue, positioning for investment, and building sustainable businesses for the future,” said Director General/CEO of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

“We are excited to collaborate with NITDA to empower MSMEs to plan their digital marketing strategies, create business growth plans, identify new markets, access funding opportunities and pitch success,” said the Head of Brand Reputation, Google Nigeria, Mr. Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde.

An economy’s ability to thrive and provide a significant amount of jobs depends on the MSME sector. The National Bureau of Statistics estimates that during the past five years, SMEs have contributed around 48% of Nigeria’s GDP.

Nevertheless, despite its important contribution to the economy of Nigeria, obstacles still stand in the way of the sector’s expansion and advancement. These include a lack of knowledge on how to use digital tools to expand a firm and poor planning and management abilities. To combat these issues, NITDA has launched a number of programmes to reskill and upskill Nigerians from various socioeconomic backgrounds in keeping with the country’s objective for a digital economy, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).

NITDA has begun an ambitious endeavour to train one million software developers across the nation as part of its mission to expand employment prospects for those with digital capabilities. The NITDA-Google Hustle Academy Bootcamp will therefore give MSMEs the opportunity to realise their full potential and seize available chances for socioeconomic development.

The following eligibility requirements for entry into the Bootcamp are established in order to ensure a smooth and successful programme implementation:

1. Business Maturity: MSMEs with an existing business plan, with defined product/service offering and willing to scale up;
2. Size of Operations: Businesses that have at least two full time employees and have been operating for over twelve months; and
3. Revenue generated: Businesses that have generated profit in the last 12 months or 1-3 months away from break even.