Executive Summary
33.3% of youths in Nigeria were unemployed during the last quarter of 2020 (Bureau of Statistics Nigeria). A national survey showed that 52.6% of youth were employed. There are fewer females in employment compared to males. Up to 80% of youth, especially girls have migrated to big towns and cities due to family movement or in search of employment opportunities. More female youth (65%) operated sole proprietor business, while 5-10% had partnerships or limited liability companies. The main sources of income for starting businesses are own and family savings, followed by cooperatives and government support. The challenges of youth in business include inconsistent government policies, obsolete equipment and inadequate training.
The Foundation for Manpower Development (FMD) is a non profit organisation set up to address unemployment and limitations in business entrepreneurship among youths in Nigeria and globally.
We aim to build resilient and disciplined business leaders for personal development and professional service to humanity, through capacity building, improved access to technical, financial and business innovations, delivered through incubation and mentorship programs. The foundation has a board of Trustees and a faculty of experts in various technical and business disciplines. The FMD works with individuals, public and private sectors partners, researchers, the civil society, non-governmental organizations, farmers groups, business cooperatives, youth and women groups and international development partners.
Objectives:
- To conduct programs for the training and development of manpower by means of workshops, seminars and training programs, using proven technologies.
- To support more efficient use of the business incubator model to facilitate the establishment and growth of SMEs, for inclusive self-employment and job creation.
- To support youths and women cooperatives for improved access to micro-finance.
- To improve access to and acquisition of modern tools, inputs, and machineries.
- To promote value chain industries, and encourage value addition, and improved market access.
Expected Outputs:
- At least one skill and or business workshop organised every quarter.
- Contacts and training assembly point (s) identified for present and future use.
- Four self-help groups and a minimum of one functional cooperatives supported.
- Innovative tools – printed materials, audio-visual, video developed for at least two technical or business skills.
Expected Outcomes:
- Manpower development in real-time and virtual workshops, seminars and meetings.
- Establish business incubation centres for the training and mentoring of entrepreneurs.
- Cooperatives and self-help groups established for access to micro-finance.
- Access to innovative technologies, inputs, tools and improved machineries