The British Council and Octoville Development Company have launched the Inclusive Economic Empowerment Pathways (IEE) Programme 2026 in Abuja, aiming to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, workplace experience, and enterprise development support. The programme provides an eight-week foundational training for participants before they proceed into either an employment or enterprise pathway. This initiative seeks to improve access to employment and entrepreneurship for Nigerian youth. The programme's design focuses on providing participants with structured support to build confidence and gain practical experience.
The programme offers two pathways: employment and enterprise. Under the employment pathway, participants will undergo an additional eight weeks of employment-focused training, followed by a minimum of six weeks of internship and workplace exposure. Those on the enterprise pathway will receive 16 weeks of enterprise development training, supported by eight weeks of concurrent mentorship and business coaching. This approach enables participants to make informed decisions about their future in employment or enterprise. The programme's emphasis on inclusion targets at least 50 per cent women and 8 per cent persons with disabilities.
According to Deborah Oladosu, Senior Associate at Octoville Development Company, the programme addresses the significant challenges facing young Nigerians in the job market. Unemployment among Nigerians aged 15–24 stands at 10.1 per cent, while the rate for those aged 25–34 is 8.0 per cent. Time-related underemployment affects 16.7 per cent of people aged 15–24 and 13.8 per cent of those aged 25–34. The programme aims to provide participants with the necessary skills and experience to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative also addresses the issue of informal employment in Nigeria, which stands at 92.2 per cent. A significant 85 per cent of employed Nigerians are self-employed, highlighting the importance of strengthening the capacity of young people operating within the enterprise economy. The programme identifies limited digital and financial literacy, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and career guidance as some of the foundational gaps affecting young people.
The programme notes that formal education often does not provide the operational, project, financial, and professional skills demanded by employers. Many business founders lack validated business models, appropriate costing and pricing, formalisation, and investment readiness. To address this, the programme provides enterprise development training and mentorship to support young entrepreneurs.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the British Council and Octoville Development Company for the initiative, stressing the importance of practical skills, work experience, and mentorship in preparing young Nigerians for a changing economy. The minister, representing the Federal Government, expressed support for the programme and its objectives.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has also pledged support for the programme by offering free business registration to persons with disabilities and other underserved groups. This move aims to promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among vulnerable groups. The programme's impact is expected to be significant, given the current state of unemployment and underemployment among young Nigerians.
Key points
- The programme targets at least 50 per cent women and 8 per cent persons with disabilities.
- The initiative provides enterprise development training and mentorship to support young entrepreneurs.
- The programme addresses the issue of informal employment in Nigeria, which stands at 92.2 per cent.
