81297055-Consulting Services to improve the economic activities of women and young people using digital & entrepreneurial skills

The Digital Transformation Center, Nigeria (DTC) works with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as a lead technical partner to improve the capacities of the innovation ecosystem for the growth of the digital economy in the following areas - policy implementation, performance improvement of organisations and networks, service providers of the digital economy, scalable digital solutions, and digital skills. The project focuses primarily on digitalisation and entrepreneurship. Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute to about 49% of the GDP in Nigeria. MSMEs also represent about 96% of businesses in Nigeria and contribute to 75% of national employment. 40% of MSMES in Nigeria are owned by women. However, most MSMEs lack the knowledge and very often the financial resources to adopt and maintain digital solutions. Thereby missing out on the benefits of digital transformation operational efficiency and scaling. In Nigeria"s job market, 80% of formal employees in Nigeria"s Information Communications & Technologies (ICT) sector are men, and 60% of women and girls are not able to access to internet. The project seeks to enhance the skills of women and young people to use digital solutions for their economic activities. It will drive the digital transformation of female entrepreneurship through the adoption of digital tools which will help drive efficiency in their businesses. It also supports the digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills of women and youth to enable them gain employment with in-demand digital skills. Specifically, the implementation of the project is contributing to the following strategic objectives: 7th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue: 2017-2021 Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) and MIP 2021-2024: Green and smart jobs, generating employment and improving employability, in particular for women and youth. Germany"s Digital Development Strategy , especially its pillars on (1) Work, (2) Local Innovation, (3) Equal opportunities, and (4) Good governance and human rights. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (good jobs and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 17 (global partnerships). Nigeria"s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030 goal of attaining 95% digital literacy by 2030. Specifically, the project will focus will be on these outcomes: 1. Enhanced entrepreneurship and digital skills of women and youth; 2. Improved financial inclusion of women and women entrepreneurs 3. Increased number of female employees in the formal employees in the ICT sector 4. Enhanced participation and representation of women in Nigeria"s digital ecosystem and economy 5. Growth of Nigerian MSMEs Specific outputs to be achieved by project interventions are: - A harmonised digital and entrepreneurial training curriculum and services for youth and women - Capacity building of 2000 women and young people to increase their digital and entrepreneurial skills - Development of a mentoring and coaching network for women - Development of a nationwide digital platform for women to improve their access to digital and entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and opportunities has been established in the long term together with an actor in the innovation ecosystem. Thereby the project supports female entrepreneurs, women, and youth in Nigeria by increasing their access to, and adoption of digital and entrepreneurial skills foe business and employment. This project will benefit: 1. Women and Youth 2. Female Entrepreneurs and prospective Female Entrepreneurs 3. Female Entrepreneurship Support organizations