Google and HP collaborate with UpSkill Universe to introduce 'Skills for Business' program, aiming to equip 10,000 African small and medium enterprises with necessary digital skills
Empowering Small Businesses with the Skills for Business Programme
Small businesses in Nigeria and South Africa are set to receive a boost with the launch of the Skills for Business programme, a free digital and business skills training initiative by UpSkill Universe in partnership with Google and HP Inc. [1][2][3][5]
The objective of this programme is to equip 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practical tools and knowledge to adapt to the evolving digital economy. The focus areas include artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, and e-commerce. [1][2][3][5]
The programme offers hands-on, action-oriented learning, combining self-paced online modules with expert-led virtual workshops. [1][2][3][5] Participants will have access to HP LIFE, a free global online business skills platform by the HP Foundation, providing additional courses in business skills. [1][3][5]
Google and HP Inc. are bringing valuable expertise to the table, with Google focusing on digital strategy and growth tailored for small businesses, and HP providing technological insights and resources, particularly in AI and digital tools. [1][3][5]
The programme builds on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 African SMEs since 2022. [1][2][3][5] Kristy Grant, Head of B2B & Brand Marketing at Google SSA, stated that small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and need access to essential skills and tools to grow. [1]
Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation, said that the Skills for Business programme empowers entrepreneurs to access the future of work and accelerate digital equity. [1] Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe, stated that the programme aims to equip businesses with practical insights, tools, and technologies including AI to grow, scale, and succeed. [1]
The programme prioritises inclusivity, aiming for at least 50% of participants to be women-owned businesses. [1] The Skills for Business programme is an extension of the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022. [1][2][3][5] HP has been working to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 and is proud to back the Skills for Business programme. [1]
The Skills for Business programme aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly reach another 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, promoting economic growth and digital transformation. [1][2][3][5]
[1] UpSkill Universe [2] Google [3] HP Inc. [5] Skills for Business programme website
This programme comes at a crucial time as many small businesses continue to face obstacles in accessing the digital skills and resources essential to remain competitive and drive growth in an evolving market. [1] Small businesses form the backbone of Africa's economy, contributing nearly 80% of employment across the continent. [1] The Skills for Business programme aims to bridge this gap and provide essential support to small businesses, enabling them to grow, scale, and succeed in the digital economy. [1]
- The Skills for Business programme, focusing on areas like AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce, aims to equip 10,000 SMEs with practical tools and knowledge, helping them adapt to the evolving digital economy.
- Participants in the Skills for Business programme will have access to HP LIFE, a free global online business skills platform, providing additional courses in various business skills.
- Google, a partner in the programme, will provide expertise in digital strategy and growth tailored for small businesses, while HP will contribute technological insights and resources, particularly in AI and digital tools.
- With a focus on personal growth and learning, the Skills for Business programme aims to indirectly reach another 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, promoting education and self-development in the realm of finance, investing, business, and technology.
