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How Nestlé and the Swiss Consulate in Nigeria are upskilling and creating job opportunities for Nigerian youth

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For the thirteenth consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered more than twenty young Nigerians through the Technical Training program in its factory at Agbara. The participants received scholarships and training to attain the highly recognized City & Guilds certifications. In addition, the top five students were given the opportunity to conclude their training with an eight-week apprenticeship at two of Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland (Orbe and Broc). Equipped with their newly acquired skills, the graduating batch are ready to embark on their engineering careers with Nestlé in Nigeria. The Nestlé Technical Training Program in Nigeria is part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative. Its objective across the three centres in Agbara, Abaji and Flowergate is to enhance the employability of young Nigerians by providing them essential skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering. The Agbara training centre is run in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM).“Africa has the largest population of young people globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30,” commented Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. “It is crucial to help the younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment. Nigeria is an important country to Nestlé. We’ve been there for more than 60 years and are proud of our contributions to its development. This partnership not only helps meet the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also supports the local economy and aligns with Nestlé’s broader objectives of enhancing youth employability.”Since its inception in 2011, the program has received an overwhelming response, with an average of 10,000 applications annually. Each year, up to 60 apprentices are selected through a rigorous assessment process to ensure quality training and personalized attention. The program includes 18 months of intensive theoretical and practical training for participants, who receive certifications in level 3, 4 and 5 of City & Guilds of London upon completion. Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, 25, is a program graduate aspiring to become a Technical Manager. The highlight of her experience was participating in impactful projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and machine validations, while collaborating with a diverse and talented team. She also enjoyed the opportunity to learn basic French and explore the picturesque Swiss landscapes. “The Nestlé Technical Training Program has significantly enhanced my abilities and expanded not just my skills and academic knowledge but also my experiences of different cultures and languages,” Dolapo explained. “The comprehensive training I received in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland provides me a competitive edge in the corporate world. I am confident that this program has laid a strong foundation for my career.” The program not only enhances the technical skills of talented young Nigerians but also fosters cultural understanding and knowledge sharing between Switzerland and Nigeria.His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein added: “I am delighted to see the program’s success in enhancing the employability of young people in Nigeria. A skilled workforce is vital for our long-term growth. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievements. I encourage them to view their new skills as not only a foundation for their careers but also an opportunity to be ambassadors for their generation, by sharing knowledge and best practices with their peers.”To date, the program has benefited close to 230 trainee graduates, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. Nestlé and SEM jointly invest in the program, reflecting their commitment to provide more economic opportunities to youth.Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor, State Secretariat for Migration SEM, said: “This program was launched the same year as the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which aims, among other things, to create greater economic opportunities locally. The program is an excellent example of a successful Swiss public-private partnership that effectively addresses challenges and creates meaningful opportunities. We take great pride in this initiative and remain committed to supporting youth in Nigeria.”The Nestlé Technical Training Program consists of three programs run by Nestlé Nigeria in its factories in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. In 2024, a total of 70 top-performing young Nigerians from these programs completed apprenticeships. This initiative is just one example of how Nestlé is helping youth become more employable across Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Drawing inspiration from the Swiss dual education system to combine theoretical and practical training, Nestlé aims to create a positive impact in the countries where it operates by leveraging global expertise alongside local insights.The global Nestlé Needs YOUth program was launched in 2013 and aims to help 10 million young people around the world access economic opportunities by 2030. As part of this ambition, it aims to reach more than 5 million youth across Asia, Oceania and Africa.-end-About Nestlé NigeriaNestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations. With a wide range of products, including popular brands such as NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, Nestlé Nigeria provides nutritious and delicious food and beverages to consumers across Nigeria.

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Verve Expands Payment Frontiers with Global Partnerships and Contactless Innovation

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Verve, Africa’s largest domestic payment card and token brand, has continued to strengthen its position as a leader in digital payments through a series of strategic partnerships and technological advancements. The brand remains committed to providing seamless and secure transactions across a growing network of acceptance points.As part of its global expansion, Verve has recently partnered with leading international and regional payment platforms, including Temu, AliExpress, PalmPay, and FortisPay. These integrations enhance Verve cardholders’ access to global e-commerce marketplaces and digital payment solutions, reinforcing the brand’s mission to facilitating easy transactions across borders.Building on this momentum, Verve has also accelerated its adoption of contactless payment solutions, strengthening its presence across key fintech and payment service provider platforms, including Opay, PalmPay, Global Accelerex, Interswitch, and Paystack terminals. This development aligns with the growing demand for faster, more secure digital payment methods, benefiting both merchants and consumers.Commenting on these milestones, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director, Verve International, stated:”At Verve, we remain committed to driving innovation in digital payments while ensuring our cardholders enjoy secure and hassle-free transactions. Our recent integrations with global e-commerce platforms and the growing acceptance of our contactless solutions reflect our dedication to advancing financial inclusion and enhancing payment experiences.”With over 75 million Verve cards issued to date, the brand continues to expand its footprint across ATMs, PoS terminals, online, agency banking outlets, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications. As Verve consolidates its leadership in Africa’s payment ecosystem, it remains focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

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Over 35 million PalmPay Customers Now have Access to Verve-Powered Debit Cards

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L-R: Chibuzor Mela, Head of Partnerships, Palmpay; Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, SANEF; Chika Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer, PalmPay Nigeria; Paul Ohakim, Vice President, Issuing & Acquiring (Africa), Verve International; Sofia Zab, Chief Marketing Officer, PalmPay; Chidi Oluaoha, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch; during the Official Launch of the Verve powered PalmPay DebitCard at the Tech Unite Africa event recently held in Lagos.

PalmPay, one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, has collaborated with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme, to officially unveil its new Debit Card. This partnership aligns with Verve and PalmPay’s ongoing commitment to promoting a more financially inclusive economy by widening its reach and value in the digital payment ecosystem. With over 35 million users and a network of 1.1 million agents and merchants across Nigeria, PalmPay is building one of the continent’s most dynamic fintech ecosystems. The launch of its debit card represents a key milestone in PalmPay’s transformation from a mobile wallet and agent network into a comprehensive digital financial services provider – offering integrated solutions for payments, savings, credit, insurance, and now, card access.This collaboration also strengthens Verve’s commitment to meeting the evolving payment needs of Nigerians following its issuance of over 75 million cards in Nigeria alone, a remarkable achievement that highlights the trust Nigerians have placed in the Verve brand: And with collaborations like this, Verve does not seem to be slowing down.The PalmPay Debit Card, powered by Verve, is seamlessly integrated with the PalmPay wallet, combining the convenience of a traditional bank card with the speed and flexibility of a digital platform, and access to PalmPay’s unique financial ecosystem.Key Features include:● Zero maintenance fees● Easy in-app application and nationwide delivery● Exclusive cashback and merchant rewards● Full wallet integration, including access to high-yield savings (up to 16% APR, paid daily)● Seamless offline and online payments across the Verve networkThe card is accepted at all major payment terminals within Nigeria, offering both debit and contactless options. With this launch, PalmPay aims to redefine the everyday banking experience – making it more accessible, reliable, and rewarding.Alongside the standard debit card, PalmPay is also rolling out PalmPay Premium, a tailored offering for high-volume users. Benefits include:● A dedicated PalmPay Premium Card● Priority customer support● Higher transaction cashbacks and savings interest rates● Exclusive merchant rewards and advanced financial toolsThis premium service reinforces PalmPay’s commitment to empower users at every stage of their financial journey – from first-time account holders to high-earning professionals seeking more from their financial tools.“PalmPay is dedicated to using technology to broaden financial access,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria. “This collaboration enables us to offer secure, widely accepted payment cards integrated with the full power of PalmPay’s ecosystem. Together, we’re reshaping how Nigerians experience digital finance.”Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Verve International, added: “We are proud to partner with PalmPay on this important milestone. Our alliance with PalmPay reflects our shared mission of accelerating financial inclusion and delivering payment innovation that meets the needs of African consumers.”PalmPay Debit Cards, powered by Verve, will be widely accepted across Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Merchant Outlets, Digital and Online platforms, including Google, YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Showmax, AliExpress, Temu, Prime Video, Facebook Ads, Microsoft, Uber, Flywire, among others, ensuring seamless transactions for users.

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Empowering Women in Tech: Glovo, She Code Africa, and Lagos State Celebrate FirstBootcamp Graduation with 100 women.

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Top 2 Capstone Project Winners and Overall Best Graduating Students Recognized for
Innovation and Excellence
LAGOS, NIGERIA – March 2025 – Glovo, a leading multi-category app in partnership with She
Code Africa and the Lagos State Government—through the Ministry of Commerce,
Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, led by H.C Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, and the
Ministry of Science and Technology, led by H.C Dr. Olatubosun Alake—proudly celebrated the
graduation of 100 women from the Women in Tech Bootcamp. This transformative 12-week
program was designed to equip women with technical skills, mentorship, and career
development opportunities in the tech industry.
The graduation ceremony, held in March to commemorate Women’s Month, aligned with the
theme “Accelerate Action,” which emphasizes the need for swift and decisive steps toward
gender equality in STEM and beyond.

The Women in Tech Bootcamp provided participants with specialized training in Frontend
Development, Backend Development, and Mobile Development. In addition to technical training,
the program incorporated career coaching, soft skills workshops, and hands-on capstone
projects to prepare participants for real-world careers in tech. This holistic approach ensured
that participants not only gained technical expertise but also the confidence and resources
needed to navigate the tech industry successfully.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo
Nigeria, emphasized Glovo’s commitment to driving diversity and inclusion. She stated:
“At Glovo, we believe that true innovation comes from diverse perspectives.
This bootcamp is just the beginning—one of our many steps in a long-term
commitment to empowering women in technology and creating more
inclusive opportunities in the industry. We are proud to champion diversity,
and this initiative is one of many to come as we continue to accelerate action
towards gender equity in STEM.”
A key highlight of the event was the Top 2 Capstone Project presentations, where outstanding
teams showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges such as financial
literacy, food waste reduction, and academic productivity. These projects were judged based on
functionality, problem-solving approach, teamwork, and presentation skills.
The winning teams of the Backend and Frontend Capstone Project competition were:

  • Group 1, led by Linda Gift Awo and Abisola Odusanwo, with team members:
  • Aminat Ismaila
  • Adebisi Adesanya
  • Nafisat Akokhia
  • Elizabeth Gabriel
    Reflecting on their experience in the program and the capstone project, Linda Gift Awo and
    Abisola Odusanwo, leaders of the winning group, shared:
    “This bootcamp has been a game-changer for us. Not only did we gain
    technical skills in backend development, but we also learned the power of
    collaboration and problem-solving. Winning the Capstone Project competition
    has given us the confidence to pursue careers in tech and contribute to
    innovative solutions in our communities.”

Their project, titled Food Waste Management App, connects restaurants, grocery stores, and
individuals with surplus food to charities and food banks—promoting sustainability and social
impact.
The second runner-up for the Capstone Project presentation was Group 2, led by Shukurat
Akanbi and Melody Anaka, who emerged as first runners-up.
In her opening remarks, Omotola Spence, Expansion Manager at Glovo Nigeria, reflected on
the program’s broader impact:
“This graduation is not just a milestone—it’s a movement. The Women in
Tech Bootcamp represents Glovo’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the
tech industry and accelerating action towards gender equity. We are proud of
the achievements of these 100 women and confident that they will drive
meaningful change in the digital economy.”
Ada Nduka Oyom, Founder and Executive Director of She Code Africa, added:
“At She Code Africa, our mission has always been to create pathways for
women to thrive in technology. The impact of this bootcamp goes beyond
technical training, it’s about building confidence, fostering community, and
accelerating action towards greater representation of African women in
STEM.”
In addition to the Capstone Project winners, the top two best-performing students were also
recognized for their excellence:

  • Abisola Odusanwo, who scored over 90%
  • Shukurat Akande, who scored over 80%
    Abisola Odusanwo shared her excitement:
    “Before this bootcamp, I never imagined myself writing code or building
    applications. Now, I have the skills, mentorship, and network to thrive in the
    industry. The support from Glovo, She Code Africa, and my peers has been
    incredible, and I am excited for what’s next.”
    Shukurat Akande expressed:
    “This experience has helped me unlock new potentials. I feel more confident,
    more capable, and more ready than ever to contribute meaningfully to the
    tech ecosystem.”

Graduates will continue to receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to career
pathways through the She Code Africa community, thanks to Glovo’s ongoing support.
With the success of this inaugural program, Glovo awarded the winning Capstone Project team
monetary prizes, tech gifts, and other exciting rewards—reinforcing its commitment to fostering
gender inclusivity in tech. Glovo, She Code Africa, and the Lagos State Government reaffirm
their dedication to creating sustainable opportunities for women in technology, ensuring that this
initiative marks the beginning of a long-term movement toward inclusivity in the industry.
This program lays the groundwork for future collaborations, expanding access to digital skills
and creating more career pathways for women in tech.

About Glovo
Glovo is a pioneering multi-category app that connects users with businesses
and couriers, offering on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers,
supermarkets, and high-street retail stores. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo
operates across 23 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, with a vision to
build the largest online marketplace, giving everyone access to anything in their
city within minutes.
For more information, please visit: https://about.glovoapp.com/

About She Code Africa
She Code Africa is a community-driven organization focused on empowering and
supporting young girls and women across Africa in pursuing careers in
technology through training, mentorship, and community engagement.
For more information, please visit: http://www.shecodeafrica.org

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