UpSkill launches ‘Skills for Business’ to empower 10,000 African SMEs

UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, has unveiled its Skills for Business programme. It’s aimed at empowering 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa with critical digital and business skills. 

Announced in London, the initiative is a collaboration with tech giants HP Inc. and Google, designed to equip African entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

By leveraging practical, action-oriented training and access to HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills platform, the initiative seeks to drive economic growth and digital transformation across the continent.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Africa’s economy, contributing nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Yet, many SMEs face significant barriers, including limited access to digital skills and technologies needed to compete in today’s marketplace.

The Skills for Business programme directly addresses these challenges by offering tailored training in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, and e-commerce.

The initiative builds on the success of Google’s Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, and integrates HP LIFE’s extensive library of over 30 training modules, available in eight languages online, via mobile app, and offline.

“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, the 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”, he added.

Upskill’s approach to empowerment

The partnership brings together UpSkill Universe’s expertise in scalable digital training, Google’s proficiency in digital growth strategies, and HP Inc.’s commitment to digital equity through its HP LIFE platform. 

The programme includes hands-on modules and expert-led virtual workshops, focusing on practical skills like boosting productivity with AI, mastering digital marketing essentials, and launching e-commerce ventures. These resources are designed to help SMEs enhance operational efficiency, attract new customers, and expand their online presence.

Google’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering digital transformation in Africa. 

Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing, emphasised, “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.” 

Google’s Hustle Academy, which has already empowered thousands of entrepreneurs in Nigeria and South Africa, will complement the programme’s offerings with live training sessions, mentorship, and masterclasses.

HP Inc. brings its global social impact mission to the partnership, aiming to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030. 

Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation, stated, “When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The programme is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.”

A commitment to inclusivity and impact

A cornerstone of the Skills for Business programme is its commitment to inclusivity, with a target of at least 50% participation from women-owned businesses. This focus aligns with broader efforts to address gender disparities in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, where women often face additional barriers to accessing training and resources. 

It aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025. This ripple effect is expected to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and foster innovation.

By combining UpSkill Universe’s localised training expertise, Google’s digital marketing prowess, and HP’s global resources, the initiative is poised to make a significant contribution to Africa’s digital transformation.

The urgency of digital upskilling in Africa is evident. According to the World Economic Forum, 43% of business tasks are expected to be automated by 2027, underscoring the need for workers and entrepreneurs to acquire new skills to remain competitive.

In South Africa, where the country ranks 116 out of 140 nations in digital skills, and Nigeria, where digital literacy gaps persist, initiatives like this are critical to closing the divide.

It also aligns with broader regional efforts, such as Google’s partnerships with organisations like the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) and Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).