A Lagos makerspace supported by Germany will provide young people with digital and tech-related job skills

400 young Nigerians are being given digital and business skills by a new Lagos makerspace supported by Germany, which is creating chances in the tech sector.

In Lagos, a brand-new makerspace has opened, providing young Nigerians with practical instruction in entrepreneurship and information technology (IT). The program, which is a component of the BeMINT_Nigeria training project, is to give 400 young people from low-income households, ages 18 to 24, useful digital skills.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports BeMINT, which stands for Mathematics, IT, science, and technology. Siemens Stiftung, an international organization, and the Nigerian non-governmental organization Empowering Africans through Education Initiative (EAE) carry out the program. This three-year program of training and internships gives school graduates the digital and practical skills they need to succeed in the 21st century, which is marked by digitization and technological breakthroughs.

During a 12-week intense program, the 25-square-meter learning hub is intended to promote creativity and professional growth. The project aims to reduce the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sectors, with a focus on female participation.

The initiative tackles social disparities by encouraging inclusive digital education and economic engagement, according to Dr. Nina Smidt, CEO of Siemens Stiftung.

“The digital revolution has changed economies and societies, but it has also increased social and gender inequality,” she remarked. Only 22% of STEM positions are held by women, according to UN statistics. BeMINT_Nigeria promotes female involvement and makes digital learning more accessible to young people from marginalized communities in an effort to reduce this gap. The user-centric training project helps the next generation of Nigerians develop critical 21st-century skills and promotes inclusive economic participation.

A state-of-the-art makerspace with the newest 3D tools and technology is at the center of the project. Siemens Digital Industries’ “Hours of Engineering,” a cloud-based platform that teaches participants computer-aided design and problem-solving techniques, is available to participants for free.

Weert Börner, the German Consul General in Lagos, emphasized the importance of the project by saying, “Investments in digital education are the key to economic change.” A key component of Nigerian-German collaboration is facilitating digital infrastructure and enhancing training possibilities that increase economic chances for young Nigerians, particularly young women. Nigeria has a unique foundation for growing its digital economy because 70% of its population is under 35.

Three main focal areas—IT, vocational orientation, and entrepreneurship—will be introduced to nine batches of 45 participants each over the course of the following two years. Every participant receives thorough, multidisciplinary training that increases their market competitiveness by giving them insights into Artificial Intelligence tools and hands-on experience working with digital platforms.

The program expands on the success of its initial phase, which began in 2022 and has already resulted in graduates working for both local startups and large international corporations like Microsoft and Google. Alumni will serve as mentors to new participants, offering insightful career advice.

We are expanding on the success of the project’s initial phase, which began in 2022 and generated self-assured and skilled graduates who are currently employed by reputable global corporations like Google and Microsoft in addition to Nigerian startups and SMEs. The alumni network will provide the current batches with practical mentoring, giving them invaluable advice as they start their careers, said Ms. Chinenye Ezeakor, co-founder of EAE.

To further increase the program’s impact, 160 teachers will also receive training in the makerspace, which will allow them to incorporate digital skills into their lessons. The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Nigeria will certify graduates, guaranteeing that their abilities satisfy global requirements.

The BeMINT_Nigeria project complements Germany’s larger collaboration with Nigeria to improve workforce development and digital education. Giving young Nigerians the resources they require to thrive in a technologically advanced environment is the result of a cooperative effort.

An organization dedicated to sustainable development via action is the Empowering Africans via Education Initiative. It is dedicated to assisting with the teaching of science and technology in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Their goals are to increase young Africans’ interest in, involvement in, and cooperation in scientific and technology-related fields as well as to guarantee their involvement in technical advancements and African entrepreneurship.

Germany’s foreign development cooperation and development strategy are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations provide the basis for its activities. The dedication to preventing hunger and poverty as well as promoting healthy individuals in a healthy environment is the main goal. As a transformation ministry, the BMZ works to promote peace, freedom, and human rights while driving the global shift toward a sustainable economy that is compatible with the environment and climate.

The Delegation of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria), which fosters bilateral trade and investment ties between Nigeria and Germany, is served by DGIC International Business Services Ltd (DGIC). Its services assist German businesses in navigating the market, whether they are looking to establish a presence in Nigeria, identify appropriate business partners or agents, or explore trade opportunities. Financing, matchmaking, importing, market entrance research, energy consulting, networking, trade fair service, and B2B and B2C delegation tours are among the services that DGIC has previously provided to German and Nigerian businesses.

Sustainable social development is a priority for Siemens Stiftung, a non-profit organization with global operations. They provide chances to actively influence social and ecological change in collaboration with people and communities. Their work addresses issues and seizes them as chances for creativity and constructive influence in three areas of action: essential services, digitality, and climate.

Through initiatives in the fields of education, social entrepreneurship, and culture, they improve future-focused skills, promote collaborative learning, and ease access and participation.

Focusing on Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia/India, they foster social cohesiveness, resilience, and regenerative practices by bridging local acts with global viewpoints.