Transforming Nigerian Youths: EDC and Mastercard Foundation’s Initiative for Entrepreneurial Empowerment

The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) program with the Mastercard Foundation, specifically the Transforming Nigerian Youths (TNY) Program, is a partnership aimed at empowering young Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly women aged 18-35. Launched by EDC, the entrepreneurship arm of Pan-Atlantic University, and supported by the Mastercard Foundation under its Young Africa Works strategy, the program focuses on building entrepreneurial and managerial skills to foster sustainable businesses. Since its inception, it has trained over 141,000 women (as of mid-2024) through a mix of online and in-person sessions across Nigeria.

Detailed Information on the EDC and Mastercard Foundation Program

The program offers training in business planning, financial management, marketing, and digital skills, alongside mentorship, networking, and access to resources like virtual workshops and the EDC toolkit. It targets 200,000 MSMEs, aiming for 80% to create new work opportunities, and provides advanced support like business development services and market linkages for top performers. Now in its fifth year (announced July 2024), it emphasizes inclusivity with features like IVR technology for offline access, supporting even marginalized communities. The collaboration leverages EDC’s 20-year expertise and Mastercard’s focus on financial inclusion and youth prosperity to drive economic growth in Nigeria.