A new makerspace has been inaugurated in Lagos, offering young Nigerians hands-on training in information technology (IT) and entrepreneurship. The initiative, part of the BeMINT_Nigeria training project, aims to provide practical digital skills to 400 youths aged 18 to 24 from low-income families.
BeMINT (MINT is the German abbreviation for STEM: Mathematics, IT, science and technology) is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the internationally operative foundation Siemens Stiftung and Nigerian NGO Empowering Africans through Education Initiative (EAE). This three-year training and internship program equips school graduates with practical and digital skills crucial to thrive in the 21st century characterised by technological advancements and digitisation.
The 25-square-meter learning hub is designed to foster innovation and career development through a 12-week intensive program. With a strong emphasis on female participation, the project seeks to close the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
According to Dr. Nina Smidt, CEO of Siemens Stiftung, the program addresses social inequalities by promoting inclusive digital learning and economic participation.
She said, “While the digital revolution has transformed societies and economies, it has also widened gender and social inequalities. The United Nations estimates that women account for only 22% of STEM jobs. To narrow this disparity, BeMINT_Nigeria encourages female participation and eases access to digital learning for youth from underserved communities. The user-centric training project advances inclusive economic participation and fosters crucial 21st-century skills among the next generation of Nigerians.”
At the heart of the initiative is a state-of-the-art makerspace equipped with cutting-edge 3D technology and tools. Participants gain free access to Siemens Digital Industries’ “Hours of Engineering,” a cloud-based platform that introduces them to computer-aided design and problem-solving skills.
German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Börner, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Investments in digital education are the key to economic change. Facilitating digital infrastructure and improving training opportunities that broaden economic avenues for young Nigerians, especially young women, is a core element of Nigerian-German cooperation. 70% of the country’s population is under 35, providing a unique basis for boosting Nigeria’s digital economy.”
Throughout the next couple of years, nine batches consisting of 45 participants each will be introduced to three major focus areas: IT, vocational orientation, and entrepreneurship. Each participant receives comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training, gaining practical experience in working with digital platforms along with securing insights into Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance their market competitiveness.
The program builds on the success of its first phase, launched in 2022, which has already produced alumni working at major global companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as local startups. Alumni will mentor new participants, providing valuable career guidance.
“We are building on the success of the project’s first phase, launched in 2022, which has produced confident and well-trained alumni – now working at reputed international companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as Nigerian SMEs and startups. The current batches will benefit from hands-on mentoring by the alumni network, gaining valuable guidance as they embark on their professional journeys,” said Ms Chinenye Ezeakor, Co-founder of EAE.
Additionally, 160 teachers will receive training in the makerspace, enabling them to integrate digital skills into their classrooms and extend the program’s impact. Graduates will receive certification from the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Nigeria, ensuring their skills meet international standards.
The BeMINT_Nigeria project aligns with Germany’s broader cooperation with Nigeria to strengthen digital education and workforce development. It represents a collaborative effort to equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a technology-driven world.
Empowering Africans Through Education Initiative is an organisation with a strong commitment to sustainable development through action. It is committed to supporting science and technology education in Nigeria and Africa at large. Their mission is to expand the interests, participation, and collaboration of young Africans in science and technology-related disciplines and to ensure their engagement in technological innovations and entrepreneurship in Africa.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is responsible for German development policy and Germany’s international development cooperation. The framework for its actions is provided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. The focus is on the commitment against poverty and hunger and for healthy people in a healthy environment. The BMZ sees itself as a transformation ministry, advancing the global transformation toward a sustainable, climate- and nature-compatible economy while strengthening peace, freedom, and human rights.
DGIC International Business Services Ltd (DGIC) is the service company of the Delegation of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria), which promotes bilateral trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Germany. Its services help German companies to navigate the market, whether it is exploring trade opportunities, finding suitable business partners or agents, or establishing their presence in Nigeria. DGIC has in the past offered services to Nigerian and German companies in the areas of financing, matchmaking, importing, market entry research, energy consultancy, networking, Financing, Trade Fair Service, and Delegation trips B2B and B2C.
The non-profit, internationally operative Siemens Stiftung is committed to sustainable social development. Together with individuals and communities, they create opportunities to actively shape social and ecological transformation. Their work focuses on three areas of action: Essential Services, Digitality, and Climate, addressing challenges and harnessing them as opportunities for innovation and positive impact.
Through projects in Education, Social Entrepreneurship, and Culture, they facilitate access and participation, strengthen future-oriented competencies, and enable collaborative learning.
With a focus on Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia/India, they connect local actions with global perspectives to cultivate resilience, social cohesion, and regenerative practices.
Melissa Enoch
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