LAGOS, NIGERIA — The MacArthur Foundation has introduced the ‘Nigeria Next’initiative, a multifaceted program designed to empower young Nigerians as catalysts for social and economic transformation. The initiative seeks to broaden youth access to technology, economic opportunities, and governance, addressing the significant digital skills deficit in the country.
The program, which combines grants, impact investments, and thought leadership, aims to dismantle barriers that restrict young people’s access to these essential areas. Nigeria’s demographic, with nearly 60 percent of the population under 30 and 42 percent under 15, underscores the urgency of this intervention. The foundation points out that only seven percent of Nigerians under 30 have the digital skills necessary for the modern economy.
‘Nigeria Next’will concentrate on four core areas: digital inclusion, creativity and innovation, civic participation, and research-driven policy development. The initiative will strive to enhance technology access, deepen knowledge in artificial intelligence, ethics, and digital skills, and support innovation hubs and shared workspaces. It will also bolster journalism, media, and civic spaces to promote civic engagement and amplify young voices.
Kole Shettima, director of the foundation’s Nigeria office, emphasized that ‘Nigeria Next’was developed through extensive consultations across various Nigerian cities. He shared the story of Balkisu, a TikTok creator from Bauchi who leveraged digital platforms to engage in civic movements, exemplifying the initiative’s aim to redefine young people as assets rather than challenges. Shettima highlighted the innovative contributions of Nigerian youth in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and the creative industries, and their redefinition of civic engagement through digital platforms.
The initiative is set to harness this youthful potential by fostering inclusion, creativity, and active participation in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Source: arise
