LAGOS – On 16 May 2023 in a groundbreaking collaboration, the United Nations Development Programme and Microsoft ADC West Africa joined forces through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU signed was an addendum to the signing that happened earlier on 31 October 2023 in Lagos. At the heart of this alliance lies a shared commitment to empower Nigerian youth, facilitate the placement of Fellows from the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), promote the transfer of digital skills, and broaden the partnership toinclude other Microsoft affiliates.

With a shared vision of harnessing the immense potential of the technology industry, Gafar Lawal, Managing Director of Microsoft ADC West Africa, underscores Microsoft’s commitment to equipping the younger generation with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, he said “At Microsoft, we recognize the critical importance of upskilling young people to build a robust talent pipeline for the African tech ecosystem. By empowering them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we enable them to seize the countless opportunities that lie ahead. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, we are dedicated to fostering a generation of skilled professionals who will drive technological innovation and fuel the growth of the tech industry. Together, we can shape a future where every young person has the tools and resources to thrive in the digital age.”

At the core of this collaboration lies the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), an empowering employment initiative championed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. With UNDP's support and funding from the European Union, the NJFP bridges the gap between youth unemployment and the demands of the job market. This pioneering program connects talented graduates with local job opportunities, equipping them with practical knowledge and relevant skills to thrive in the workforce. The NJFP's inclusive reach extends across all corners of Nigeria, ensuring merit-based selection and opportunities for youth from North to the South and East to the West.

During the signing ceremony, Mr. Mohammed Yahya, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Nigeria, emphasized the significance of such partnerships and underscored the value of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP). This flagship programme, designed to combat the growing issue of unemployment, connects recent graduates to placement opportunities in the private sector, including esteemed organisations like Microsoft. Mr. Yahya urged Microsoft to tap into the vast pool of young talent to transfer digital skills and software engineering expertise, while providing mentorship and career coaching. He emphasised that, "Private sector partnerships are vital as we reshape Nigeria and create boundless opportunities for our youth."

Recognizing the pivotal role played by private and public sector partnerships, UNDP remains committed to addressing Nigeria's developmental challenges across various programmatic pillars. These strategic alliances serve as catalysts for achieving developmental goals and unlocking digital collaborations for sustainable progress.

Microsoft's commitment to collaboration extends beyond Nigeria. In both Nigeria and Kenya, the Africa Development Center takes the lead in forging alliances with technology partners through Student Engagement Programs in universities. Managed by their ecosystem development team, these programs offer vital support and resources to university partners, empowering them to efficiently manage workloads and equip students with the essential skills needed to excel in the industry.

The collaboration between Microsoft and UNDP represents a remarkable milestone in the pursuit of sustainable development in Nigeria. Together, they are poised to redefine the boundaries of technological advancement and empowerment of youth in Nigeria.

Note to Editors

About UNDP:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet.

In Nigeria, UNDP provides technical and policy development support to the Federal Government of Nigeria and supports the implementation of interventions across various thematic areas to meet the medium to long-term national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more: https://www.undp.org/nigeria

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. For more information, news and insights from Microsoft, please visit Microsoft's News Centre Middle East & Africa.

Media Contact: 

Christabel Chanda - Ginsberg                                                                        

Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead      

christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org                        

Microsoft Contact:

Oluwamuyemi Orimolade

Marketing and Communications Manager - Microsoft ADC, West Africa

oorimolade@microsoft.com