Femi Akindele
- Grants
- June 19, 2025
- 81 views
Apply to AU Go Gal! Innovation Initiative
AU Go Gal! Innovation Initiative A Concept of the African Union Innovation Lab (AU InnoLab) The future of Africa lies in its youth, and specifically in empowering its young women to take their rightful place at the forefront of technological, social, and economic progress. The African Union “AU Go Gal!” Innovation Initiative is a NextGen challenge targeting young African women in innovation, aged 15–25. The initiative aims to empower 20 young African women innovators to develop digital and other innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions to key socioeconomic challenges facing the continent, thereby contributing to the continent’s transformative growth under Agenda 2063. Specifically, these solutions should advance Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion, including innovations on enhancing young women’s participation in economic decision-making processes and improving access, retention, and completion of girls in education systems. The selected participants will be linked to mentors and industry throughout their innovation journey, while 5 finalists will receive support and recognition. Leveraging the continent’s unique demographic dividend calls for innovative and disruptive approaches that ensure the involvement of young people in the continent’s development, both as contributors and beneficiaries. This youth-centric approach perfectly aligns with Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063, the African Youth Charter, the AU Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI 2023) Initiative, the African Girls Can Code Initiative, AU CIEFFA’s Youth Capacity Building Programme and, the 1 Million Next Level Initiative – which aims to provide 300 million young people with opportunities for quality education through digital skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, engagement, health and wellbeing. 1. Objectives Empower young women in innovation by offering a platform for their active involvement in the innovation space, thereby addressing the gender disparity in innovation and technology. Enable young women to contribute to the Socioeconomic Development of the continent through scalable, sustainable solutions. Connect young women in innovation to mentorship and industry leaders for capacity building and career opportunities. Demonstrate young women’s potential and ability to contribute towards Africa’s socio-economic development through innovation. Converge multi-stakeholder efforts to actively promote and sustain the involvement of women in the innovation space and technology ecosystem. 2. Selection Criteria Twenty (20) participants, four (4) from each region, will be selected based on the following criteria: Age: Participants must be young African women, aged between 15 and 25. Languages: English and French Citizenship: Participants must be citizens of an African Union member state, residing on the continent. Digital or Innovative Idea: The applicant should present an original, practical, and scalable solution that addresses a pressing community, regional, or continental challenge. The innovation should be in the area of Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion or girls and women’s education, including innovations on enhancing young women’s participation in economic decision-making processes towards empowerment. Feasibility and Impact: The idea should demonstrate clear potential for solving real-world problems in Africa, with a strong focus on sustainability, scalability, and community impact. Solutions that integrate social, environmental, and economic considerations are particularly valuable. Stage of Innovation: Whether the idea is in the conceptual phase, prototype stage, or has already been tested in a real-world environment, ideas at all stages are eligible. Commitment to Community and Societal Impact: A demonstrated commitment to solving problems that benefit the community, with a focus on underserved or marginalised populations. The project or innovation should address issues that are relevant to the local context of the participant’s home country or region, with a vision for broader application across Africa. Potential for Scaling and Sustainability: Evidence that innovation can be expanded or adapted for other regions or countries. Preference will be given to projects that have the potential to grow beyond a single location and contribute to broader socioeconomic development. The project should have a plan for long-term sustainability, either financially, socially, or environmentally. This may involve partnerships, funding strategies, or self-sustaining models. Educational Background & Technical Competence: While formal education is not the sole determinant, applicants should demonstrate the ability to actualise their digital and innovative solutions. Applicants with an exceptional track record in relevant courses, self-learning, or experiential learning in innovative-related fields will also be considered. Availability: A commitment and availability to fully participate in training, mentorship, networking events, and other activities organised under the AU Go Gal! initiative. Communication and Presentation Skills: The ability to present and communicate innovation, its potential impact, and the long-term vision. This includes the ability to pitch ideas to investors, stakeholders, and potential partners. Ability to write clear proposals, reports, and updates. The submission should demonstrate good writing skills in terms of clarity, structure, and attention to detail. Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrzXn5dSByAyuOGWacdrUn3bbFM-5UQx-sOJ1_QQDS6pHM6w/viewform Learn more: https://citizenengagement.nepad.org/engagement/au-go-gal-innovation-initiative
- Grants
- June 19, 2025
- 152 views
Launch Your Career with the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP)
Launch Your Career with the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) is pleased to announce an open call for applications, inviting qualified individuals to kickstart their careers in the corporate world. NAPEP is dedicated to transforming society and improving the well-being of all Nigerians. As part of this commitment, the program is opening its 2025 Vocational Trades Portal to train Nigerians and support economic development. Program Goals: • Training youths in various vocational trades. • Providing internship grants. • Supporting micro-credit initiatives. • Creating employment opportunities within the automobile and other industries. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the NAPEP program, applicants must meet the following requirements: • Be a Nigerian citizen. • Be between 18 and 65 years old. • Possess a National Identification Number (NIN), which will be verified with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. • Exhibit a clear interest and commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. • Show dedication and interest in their chosen career field. How to Apply: To apply for the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), please follow these steps: 1. Visit the official NAPEP portal: https://www.napep-gov.ng/signup 2. Enter your email address. 3. Create a password. 4. Confirm your password. 5. Click on “Signup.” After submitting your application, you will receive a message regarding the next steps in the application process via the email address you registered. If you do not receive an email, please check your Spam/Junk folder, or visit https://www.napep-gov.ng/login to log in directly. This is a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills, receive support, and contribute to a brighter future for yourself and your community. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply.
- Grants
- June 17, 2025
- 93 views
FG Announces New Consumer Credit Initiative to Empower 400,000 Young Nigerians
President Tinubu Announces New Consumer Credit Initiative to Empower 400,000 Young Nigerians President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans to launch a new consumer credit initiative in July, aimed at empowering 400,000 young Nigerians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Democracy Day, President Tinubu stated that the initiative will be implemented through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which has already provided access to affordable credit for over 100,000 Nigerians, including 35,000 civil servants. “In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials,” President Tinubu said. “This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.” The President emphasized the government’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young people through job creation and skills development. He highlighted programs such as NELFUND as key investments in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure that Nigerian youth are well-prepared for the workforce and the future. President Tinubu also noted that his administration had undertaken significant reforms to address structural imbalances in the Nigerian economy, with early indicators suggesting positive results. “We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade. Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans,” he said. “Our net foreign reserves have increased five-fold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports.” The President’s remarks underscore the government’s focus on empowering young Nigerians and fostering sustainable economic growth through targeted initiatives and strategic reforms. Application link to be made available soon.
