By Juliet Umeh
Digital skills training provider, UpSkill Universe, has launched a new initiative, the Skills for Business program, aimed at empowering 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, in Nigeria and South Africa. This program will equip them with critical digital and business skills essential for economic growth.
Delivered in collaboration with Google and HP Inc., the Skills for Business program is designed to provide entrepreneurs with practical tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Participants will also gain access to a range of courses on the HP LIFE platform.
CEO of UpSkill Universe, Gori Yahaya, stated: “Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change within their communities. We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, the prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behavior.”
He added: “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.” UpSkill Universe will manage program delivery and partner engagement.
Building on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, this new initiative will focus on action-oriented learning. Participants will gain hands-on skills through modules such as “Unlock growth with practical skills in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce.” These modules are designed to help SMEs boost productivity, attract more customers, and grow their businesses online, complemented by access to HP LIFE – the HP Foundation’s free global online business skills training program.
The program is also committed to inclusivity, with a goal of at least 50 percent participation from women-owned businesses.
“The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online,” shared an SME from Lagos. “These skills make a real difference for us.”
Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, accounting for nearly 80 percent of jobs across the continent. Yet, despite their significance, many still face barriers to accessing the digital skills and tools needed to compete and grow in a changing marketplace. The Skills for Business program aims to bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with practical, locally relevant training that meets the real-world demands of today’s market.
Google’s involvement brings additional expertise in digital growth and strategy for small businesses. Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing, commented, “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. 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.”
At the heart of the initiative is HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills training program, which is available in eight languages online, via mobile app, and offline. Small business owners and their employees will gain access to more than 30 practical training modules covering topics such as boosting productivity with AI, digital marketing essentials, and starting an e-commerce journey. This will be delivered alongside expert-led virtual workshops by Google and UpSkill Universe to ensure SMEs can build the capabilities needed to grow their customer base, strengthen operations, and drive long-term success.
Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation, Michele Malejki,stated, “When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work. Since 2021, HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 by providing access to technology and digital skills content that enhances skills and economic opportunity. We are very proud to support this deeply impactful program, which will provide the support SMEs need to grow, scale, and succeed.”
The Skills for Business program aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, demonstrating the powerful role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and economic development.
