Dangote & Germany's VDMA set up €7mn vocational skills initiative

In a groundbreaking move towards fostering industrial growth and youth empowerment in Nigeria, the Dangote Foundation has joined forces with the German Association for Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA) to introduce a €7 million technical skills program for Nigerian youths. The initiative aims to develop a talented workforce that will propel Nigeria's industrialization process forward swiftly. Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, discussed the significance of the program, highlighting the urgent need for skilled individuals in order to expand the group's operations. He emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent to avoid relying on foreign expertise. Dangote stressed the essential role of well-trained personnel in sustaining successful business operations, emphasizing the aim to contribute not only to Dangote's endeavors but also to support national industrialization. The initiative received overwhelming interest, with over 4,000 applicants vying for a spot in the program, indicating a strong demand for technical training opportunities. The focus on job creation is another key aspect of the program, with plans to extend similar initiatives to multiple regions in Nigeria to generate thousands of skilled workers. The collaboration between the Dangote Foundation, VDMA, and the Lagos State government signals a concerted effort to enhance vocational training facilities and create strategic partnerships that will have a lasting impact on the nation's youth. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed the government's commitment to supporting the technical training program, pledging to collaborate closely with the private sector to scale up the initiative and address the pressing issue of unemployment. The announcement marks a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in Nigeria and fostering sustainable industrial development.