In a bold move to accelerate the digital evolution of Nigeria’s vibrant small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), HP Inc., Google’s Hustle Academy, and UpSkill Universe united to host a hands-on bootcamp at the upscale Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The one-day intensive event, held on July 24, 2025, spotlighted practical training in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI), clearly affirming its mission to equip local SMBs with skills essential for sustainable growth and future competitiveness.
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A Strategic Alliance for Digital Upliftment
This forward-thinking initiative builds upon Google’s celebrated Hustle Academy, a program that has already empowered over 14,000 SMBs across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa—all while emphasising support for women-led enterprises and job creation. The integration of HP’s accessible HP LIFE digital learning platform alongside UpSkill Universe’s specialised training delivery positions the event as the next chapter of a continent-wide digital uplift narrative.
Why Nigeria Matters to HP
During the Lagos event, Emmanuel Eze, Country Director for HP Nigeria, remarked:
“Nigeria is a strategic market, being the most populous country in Africa… millions are online, but many more remain unconnected—that presents a huge opportunity.”
Eze reiterated HP’s ambitious global target: reaching 150 million learners by 2030, with Nigeria set to play a pivotal role. Despite Nigeria’s thriving start-up culture, he acknowledged ongoing infrastructure and policy challenges, especially in less developed regions
Closing the Digital Divide via Partnerships
Eze emphasised that no single entity can bridge the digital divide alone. HP has already joined forces with NGOs like Slum2School, She Code Africa, and the One Million Teachers initiative to bring digital training and tools to underserved populations and aspiring female tech professionals. These strategic collaborations aim to scale HP’s impact beyond metropolitan zones into rural landscapes.
Hands-On Learning: AI, Innovation, Business Strategy
The bootcamp’s training spanned:
- Artificial Intelligence: Practical tools to automate and streamline operations.
- Digital Marketing: Tactics to improve visibility and customer engagement.
- E-commerce fundamentals: Building scalable online businesses.
Thanks to UpSkill Universe’s facilitation and Google’s mentorship, participants didn’t just listen—they engaged in real-world simulations and interactive coaching.
Outcomes and Community Voices
Attendees left energised with newfound expertise in leveraging digital marketing, designing customer-centric websites, and integrating AI solutions into day-to-day operations. One Lagos-based SMB leader shared that Hustle Academy transformed how they connect with customers online—a testament to the real-world impact of these modules.
Moreover, this bootcamp is a pilot of a broader “Skills for Business” programme aiming to directly train 10,000 SMBs in Nigeria and South Africa, reaching 59,000+ individuals by 2025.
Digital Equity: Why It Matters
Small businesses generate roughly 80% of jobs across Africa, yet face major hurdles in digital adoption. This gap threatens their competitiveness and Nigeria’s economic resilience. By strategically merging HP’s digital tools, Google’s growth marketing know-how, and UpSkill Universe’s local delivery expertise, the initiative addresses both knowledge and infrastructure challenges, creating a scalable route to digital inclusion.
Forward Momentum: Measurement & Expansion
Beyond training, organisers emphasise tracking real-world impact. Metrics like business growth, job creation, market access, and consumer engagement are in focus, promising evidence-based evaluation and broader adoption. Pilot success will inform program refinement and expansion across Nigeria and South Africa, setting the stage for pan-African rollout.
What This Means for Lagos SMBs
- Competitive Edge: AI and digital tools are now accessible for optimising cost and productivity.
- Market Reach: Digital marketing builds brand awareness and expands customer reach.
- Gender Equity: With a specific focus on women-led businesses, the training nurtures inclusive economic growth.
- Upskilling Ecosystem: Free access to HP LIFE and Google/UpSkill mentorship ensures continued learning and resilience.
- Scalable Impact: Insights from Lagos will inform broader national and continental strategies.
The Road Ahead & Global Context
Since 2021, HP’s global social impact agenda, backed by the HP Foundation, has focused on digital equity—universal online learning, device accessibility, and future-of-work readiness to support 150 million people by 2030. Lagos is now a pivotal testing ground for what could become a blueprint for scalable digital transformation across Africa.
Google’s Hustle Academy and UpSkill Universe’s joint initiatives trace their journey from Africa-wide digital literacy to AI-driven entrepreneurship. Their mission: catalyse growth in an economy where digital fluency unlocks real opportunity.
Conclusion
This bootcamp confirms a powerful synergy: global tech and education giants, local training bodies, and small business owners collaborating to close the digital gap. By integrating HP’s tech, Google’s strategy, and UpSkill Universe’s delivery, the initiative is not just teaching—it’s catalysing a movement.
Nigeria’s most populous city is set to become a benchmark in Africa’s digital revolution. If the pilot scales to 10,000 SMBs by 2025 and beyond, it could well mark a transformational milestone—not just for Lagos, but for emerging digital economies continent-wide.
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