In a bold stride toward closing the digital divide, Google and HP, in partnership with UpSkill Universe, have unveiled the Google & HP SME Digital Skills Programme. Designed to transform small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa, this initiative aims to equip 10,000 business owners with cutting-edge digital, business, and AI skills—all accessible for free.
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Tackling Africa’s Digital Competency Challenge
Africa’s entrepreneurial heartbeat lies within its SMEs—these businesses generate nearly 80% of the continent’s jobs. Yet many struggle due to limited digital know-how. As traditional business models falter under the pressure of a digital revolution, the need for practical upskilling has become urgent.
The Google & HP SME Digital Skills Programme directly targets this problem by delivering actionable training in AI-driven tools, e-commerce best practices, and digital marketing strategies. The aim is to help SMEs not only survive—but thrive—in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Heritage of Success: Hustle Academy as Foundation
This program builds upon the legacy of Google’s Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has already upskilled more than 15,000 African SMEs since 2022. By combining proven methods with new technologies, the initiative amplifies its impact, scaling from accelerators to continent-wide digital capacity building.
Comprehensive, Practical Training Delivered at Scale
The curriculum offers more than 30 hands-on modules taught through HP LIFE—the global, free learning platform from HP Foundation.
Content spans:
- AI productivity tools
- Digital marketing essentials
- E-commerce strategy and launch
- Plus bonus modules in funding, customer experience, and analytics
These lessons are delivered via user-friendly online, mobile, and offline platforms, available in eight languages, ensuring accessibility across diverse Nigerian and South African communities.
Complementing self-paced modules are expert-led virtual workshops powered by UpSkill Universe, Google, and HP, with a particular focus on real-world application and outcome-oriented learning.
Tech Giants Leading With Vision and Purpose
UpSkill Universe
Led by CEO Gori Yahaya, UpSkill Universe champions the intersection of business insight and technology adoption. Yahaya described the program as an opportunity to arm SMEs with AI, digital tools, and strategic guidance:
“Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change … navigating a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behaviour.”
Kristy Grant, Head of B2B & Brand Marketing for Google Sub‑Saharan Africa, highlighted the significance of digital readiness:
“Small businesses are a driving force for progress … It’s more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow…”
Building on Google’s broader Digital Skills for Africa mission—ongoing since 2016—this partnership seeks to foster sustained digital growth across the region.
HP
HP’s Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact and Executive Director at HP Foundation, reaffirmed HP’s vision:
“When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. … The Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.”
Since 2021, HP has pledged to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030—and this initiative marks a powerful step in realising that goal.
A Commitment to Gender-Inclusive Growth
Gender equity is central to the programme’s ethos. With a mandate that at least 50% of participants are women-owned businesses, the initiative reinforces that empowering female entrepreneurs multiplies socio-economic benefits across communities.
Impact Outreach Goals for 2025
By December 2025, the Google & HP SME Digital Skills Programme aims to:
- Directly train 10,000 SMEs across Nigeria and South Africa
- Indirectly benefit 59,000+ individuals through team learning and community workshops
This multiplier effect reflects a powerful commitment to sustained and widespread economic upliftment.
Voices From the Field
A Lagos SME participant in the Hustle Academy shared how the training reshaped their digital footprint:
“The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online. These skills make a real difference for us.”
These testimonials underscore the program’s practical, transformative nature—moving beyond theory to real-world ROI.
Why This Programme Matters Now
- Digital acceleration post-COVID has dramatically shifted consumer behaviour
- AI tools are now essential for operational efficiency
- E-commerce dominance demands new skill sets
- Digital literacy remains uneven, especially in Africa
By offering accessible, quality, bilingual training with local relevance, the programme serves as a foundational pillar for SME resilience and long-term growth, amplifying both regional economies and community livelihoods.
How to Apply & Participate
Applications are officially open via the Programme’s online portal—any eligible SME in Nigeria or South Africa can register.
Selected participants will receive:
- Full access to HP LIFE’s extensive 30+ modules
- Invitations to virtual, hands-on workshops
- Mentorship from business and technology professionals
A Catalyst for Future Expansion
Experts predict this model could become a blueprint for wider pan-African implementation. With solid backing from three major global technology entities, the programme is well-positioned to scale to more countries and sectors in the years to come.
In Summary
The Google & HP SME Digital Skills Programme is more than an educational platform—it’s a strategic catalyst enabling SMEs to flourish in the digital era. By blending technical training with real-world mentorship and championing gender parity, it promises to leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria and South Africa—and perhaps across Africa.
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