...New ‘Skills for Business’ initiative aims to empower small businesses in Nigeria and South Africa with AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce training
By Damilola Abiola
A new regional initiative is set to transform small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa, as UpSkill Universe, in collaboration with Google and HP Inc., launches the Skills for Business programme. The initiative will provide 10,000 SMEs with critical digital and business skills aimed at fostering economic resilience, growth, and innovation in Africa’s evolving digital economy.
The programme, announced on Friday, will offer action-driven learning modules including artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and e-commerce, alongside access to HP LIFE– the HP Foundation’s free global online business skills platform.
“Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change within their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. “We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behaviour. Through collaboration with HP Inc. and Google, we see an immense opportunity to empower businesses with the practical tips, tools, and technology, including AI, they need to grow, scale, and succeed.”
The Skills for Business programme builds on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022. The new programme is particularly committed to inclusivity, with a target that at least 50% of participants will be women-led businesses.
One participant from Lagos, Nigeria, who previously joined the Hustle Academy said, “The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online. These skills make a real difference for us.”
SMEs account for nearly 80% of employment in Africa, yet many still lack access to digital tools and resources to effectively compete. The programme aims to bridge this gap by providing locally relevant, hands-on training tailored to the needs of African entrepreneurs.
Google, a key partner in the initiative, brings its expertise in small business digital growth.
“Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. It’s more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow, especially as digital technologies transform business operations,” said Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing. “We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that enable entrepreneurs to translate their ambitions into lasting positive impact for their communities and economies.”
The HP Foundation’s HP LIFE platform will serve as a central resource, offering more than 30 practical modules accessible via mobile, web, and offline, including lessons on productivity tools, business communications, and digital sales strategies. These will be complemented by expert-led virtual workshops from Google and UpSkill Universe.
“When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The Skills for Business programme is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation. “Since 2021, HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030. We are proud to support this deeply impactful program.”
The programme is said to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals, showcasing the strength of public-private partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation by the end of 2025.