Jobberman and Mastercard Foundation Empower 2.4 Million Nigerian Youth Through Inclusive Employment Initiatives
Jobberman Nigeria, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has made significant strides in fostering inclusive employment opportunities for Nigerian youth. Since 2020, this partnership, under the umbrella of the Young Africa Works strategy implemented by The African Talent Company (Jobberman’s parent company), has successfully trained over 2.4 million young Nigerians and facilitated over 600,000 job placements. This initiative focuses on connecting youth, particularly those from underserved communities, with dignified and sustainable employment. Utilizing a data-driven, community-based approach coupled with accessible low-bandwidth digital solutions, the program ensures that young people aged 18 to 35, especially in disadvantaged regions, gain access to essential tools and training necessary for successful labor market integration.
Addressing Barriers to Employment for Marginalized Groups: A Roundtable Discussion
To further its commitment to inclusive employment, Jobberman recently organized the “Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalized Contexts Roundtable” in Abuja, Nigeria. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, tech platforms, and private sector leaders. The primary objective was to address the structural and digital barriers that hinder marginalized groups, such as women in disadvantaged communities, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs), from accessing employment opportunities. The discussions centered around the importance of leveraging technology as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to equitable access and opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Key Findings and Recommendations from the Roundtable Report
During the roundtable, Jobberman launched a pivotal report titled “Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalized Contexts.” This report sheds light on the current state of inclusive hiring practices in Nigeria, revealing that a staggering 72% of employers make no efforts towards inclusive hiring, despite the potential of digital platforms to bridge existing employment gaps. However, the report also highlighted encouraging trends, indicating that 55% of PWDs and 44% of displaced women have secured some form of employment, primarily through self-employment ventures in the creative media and agriculture sectors. This finding emphasizes the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit within these marginalized groups, while also highlighting the need for more structured support and opportunities.
The roundtable concluded with a series of policy briefs and program recommendations aimed at informing the Young Africa Works learning agenda. These recommendations are intended to guide future employer training programs, platform development initiatives, and inclusive employment strategies. The emphasis on inclusion being central to the agenda, rather than a peripheral concern, reflects the commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible labor market for all.
Expanding Inclusive Employment Initiatives Across Africa
Building upon five years of successful partnership in Nigeria, Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation are expanding their impactful initiative across the African continent. Similar activities are already underway in BrighterMonday Kenya and BrighterMonday Uganda, both subsidiaries of The African Talent Company. In Kampala, BrighterMonday Uganda recently organized a Career Clinic with the theme “Skills for Today: Empowering Uganda’s Youth to Take Control of Their Future.” This event provided young job seekers with valuable resources, including CV reviews, coaching sessions, and digital skills training. The involvement of government and private sector leaders underscores the collaborative approach necessary for driving meaningful change.
The Future of Inclusive Employment in Africa: A Shared Vision
This expansion signifies the shared belief that all young Africans, irrespective of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood. The success of the partnership in Nigeria serves as a strong foundation, but the journey towards truly inclusive employment across the continent has just begun. This endeavor calls for a concerted effort to equip young Africans with the essential skills, tools, and access required to thrive in the evolving world of work. Investing in Africa’s youth is not merely an act of social responsibility; it’s a strategic investment in the future of the continent, recognizing the immense potential of its young and rapidly growing workforce.
A Call to Action for a Globally Inclusive Economy
The emphasis on Africa’s young and rapidly expanding workforce highlights both the immense opportunity and the inherent responsibility. Creating a truly inclusive global economy requires strategic investment in equipping young Africans with the necessary skills, tools, and access to thrive. This initiative is not just about creating jobs; it’s about empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and building a more equitable and prosperous future for all. By providing access to training, resources, and opportunities, the program aims to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth and enable them to contribute meaningfully to the global economy.
