UpSkill Universe has launched the Skills for Business programme, a new initiative aimed at equipping 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa with essential digital and business skills to drive growth and economic development.

Developed in partnership with Google, HP Inc, and UpSkill Universe, the programme is tailored to provide entrepreneurs with practical tools for success in today’s digital economy, along with access to a variety of courses available on the HP LIFE .

UpSkill Universe, a prominent provider of digital skills training, will oversee the programme’s implementation and coordinate collaboration with key partners.

“Entrepreneurs and business owners across Africa are already driving transformation within their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe.

“We recognize the challenges SMEs encounter while navigating a tough business environment, the rise of AI, and fast-evolving customer behavior,” he added.

“By collaborating with HP Inc. and Google, we see a significant opportunity to equip businesses with the practical insights, tools, and technologies including AI they need to grow, scale, and succeed,” he said.

Expanding on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp which has supported more than 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, this new initiative will emphasize hands-on, action-driven learning.

Participants will develop practical expertise through modules like Unlock Growth with Practical Skills in AI, Digital Marketing, and E-commerce, tailored to help SMEs increase productivity, attract customers, and expand their online presence. This is further supported by access to HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global platform for business skills training.

The programme also prioritises inclusivity, aiming for at least 50% of participants to be women-owned businesses.

“One SME from Lagos shared, ‘The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online. These skills make a real difference for us.’”

Small businesses form the backbone of Africa’s economy, contributing nearly 80% of employment across the continent. However, many continue to face obstacles in accessing the digital skills and resources essential to remain competitive and drive growth in an evolving market.

The Skills for Business programme seeks to close this gap by offering entrepreneurs hands-on, locally tailored training aligned with the real-world demands of today’s marketplace.

Google’s participation adds valuable expertise in digital strategy and growth tailored specifically for small businesses.

“Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it’s more important than ever to ensure they have access to the right skills and tools to grow,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B & Brand Marketing at Google SSA.

“We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that enable entrepreneurs to turn their ambitions into lasting, positive impact for their communities and economies.”

Central to the initiative is HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills training program, accessible in eight languages online, through a mobile app, and offline.

Small business owners and their teams will have access to over 30 hands-on training modules, covering key areas like leveraging AI for productivity, mastering digital marketing, and launching into e-commerce.

The training will be complemented by expert-led virtual workshops hosted by Google and UpSkill Universe, designed to help SMEs expand their customer reach, enhance operations, and build long-term business success.

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

“Since 2021, HP has been working to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030, providing access to technology and digital skills content that foster opportunity and growth. We’re proud to back this high-impact programme that gives SMEs the support they need to grow, scale, and succeed.”

The Skills for Business programme is set to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly reach another 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025 underscoring how strategic partnerships can accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and drive economic growth.

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