Why we are backing Skillup Africa

Nigeria continues to face significant disparities in access to digital skills training, particularly among young people in rural and underserved communities where limited connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, and economic barriers restrict access to quality learning opportunities. These challenges contribute to low employability and widen the gap between available talent and workforce demand. We are supporting Skillup Africa because we believe every young person should have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to participate in the digital economy, regardless of where they live or the resources available to them. Through its offline-first learning infrastructure, community-based delivery model, and integrated approach to digital skills training, mentorship, and employability support, Skillup Africa is expanding access to workforce-relevant education for underserved learners, particularly young women. Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, we will support the team in strengthening its model and demonstrating how accessible, community-driven learning can improve workforce readiness and create more inclusive pathways to employment across Nigeria