Assessing EDC’S youth transformation initiative five years after
To state this like it really is: The Transforming Nigerian Youth (TNY) initiative by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, epitomizes effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) by making substantial contributions to community relations and sustainable development.
As the programme commences its fifth year, it continues to empower thousands of young female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen across Nigeria through a combination of online and in-person training sessions. Since its inception, the TNY programme has significantly impacted women aged 18-35 by fostering entrepreneurial skills and providing essential tools for success, having trained over 141,000 women with a focus on online accessibility and inclusivity.
Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of EDC, emphasized the programme’s success in equipping young women with the skills and confidence needed for their entrepreneurial journeys, a feat made possible through their collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. The fifth year of the program promises to build on this success, offering an enhanced curriculum that covers critical areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and digital skills. Participants will also benefit from mentorship opportunities, networking events, and resources to help turn their business ideas into reality. For the first time, the program will include an expanded suite of online resources, including virtual workshops, webinars, and an interactive community platform, ensuring that women from even the most remote areas of Nigeria can participate, overcoming geographical barriers and providing greater flexibility in learning.
Indeed, the TNY initiative is profoundly impactful by addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth among young women, promoting community relations and sustainable development.
At the core of CSR is the principle of businesses taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment, and the TNY program demonstrates this commitment in a profound way. By partnering with the Mastercard Foundation, the EDC has leveraged its expertise and resources to create a transformative initiative that directly addresses the needs of a highly underserved segment of the Nigerian population – young female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen.
The programme’s focus on empowering women aged 18-35 aligns with the global push for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, which are crucial pillars of sustainable development. In a country like Nigeria, where women often face systemic barriers to entrepreneurship and financial independence, the TNY program steps in to provide the necessary training, resources, and support to help these women overcome these challenges.
The programme’s comprehensive curriculum, covering essential aspects such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and digital skills, equips participants with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. This holistic approach to capacity building not only benefits the individual participants but also has a ripple effect on their families, communities, and the broader Nigerian economy.
By prioritizing online accessibility and inclusivity, the TNY programme has successfully reached women in even the most remote areas of the country, breaking down geographic barriers and ensuring that the benefits of the program are distributed equitably. This commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is a hallmark of effective CSR, as it demonstrates the program’s dedication to addressing societal inequalities and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
Again, the programme’s emphasis on mentorship, networking, and access to resources further amplifies its impact. By connecting participants with experienced mentors and a supportive community, the TNY program fosters an environment of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual growth. This not only strengthens the individual businesses but also contributes to the development of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.
The success of the TNY programme is evident in the impressive number of women who have already been trained – over 141,000 and counting. This impressive reach is a testament to the program’s scalability and its ability to create sustainable change. As the program enters its fifth year, the continued enhancement of the curriculum and the expansion of the digital component further solidify its commitment to staying relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of its target population.
The Transforming Nigerian Youth programme exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and a focus on addressing societal challenges through the lens of economic empowerment. By investing in the potential of young female entrepreneurs, the EDC and the Mastercard Foundation are not only fostering individual success stories but also contributing to the broader narrative of sustainable development and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
As more businesses recognize the importance of CSR and its ability to create lasting, positive change, the TNY programme serves as a shining example of how corporate social responsibility can be leveraged to drive meaningful impact and strengthen community relations. This programme’s success is a testament to the transformative power of CSR when it is implemented with a deep understanding of the local context, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and a genuine desire to uplift and empower the communities it serves.
