Tech Herfrica has been selected to implement the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Pilot Program, aimed at empowering 30 women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative is supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through its Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria program. The program aligns with national efforts to advance the digital economy by equipping women entrepreneurs with essential digital skills to drive sustainable business growth, create jobs, and reduce gender disparities.
Project Kick-Off and Participant Selection
The DSE Pilot Program officially kicks off on 14 October 2024. Out of 55 women who applied, 30 were selected through a highly competitive process.
The selected participants come from Cerca Africa, the Women in Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WACCIMA), and Beyond the Classroom Foundation. This diverse representation ensures that the program will touch various business sectors and stages of development.
All applicants met the required criteria, including being operational for at least three years and expressing a strong willingness to participate fully in the program. Given the competitive nature, Tech Herfrica and Cerca Africa embarked on an objective screening process that factored in both the nature of each applicant’s business and the varying years of experience to ensure a diverse cohort. This approach aimed to include women who are both early in their business journey and those who have been operating for longer periods, enabling the program to measure its impact across a range of business experiences.
Program Objectives and Support
The DSE Pilot Program is designed to help women-owned businesses scale by integrating digital tools and strategies into their operations. The initiative will enable participants to optimize processes, expand their market reach, and enhance their competitiveness, all while contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
At the conclusion of the program, Tech Herfrica will release a comprehensive report, documenting lessons learned and providing recommendations for future digital transformation initiatives.
Participant Requirements
To ensure maximum impact, participants were required to meet the following criteria:
– Must be registered with SMEDAN or the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
– Must have been operational for at least three years.
– Must express a strong desire to scale business operations through digital transformation.
– Must demonstrate a willingness to share success stories showcasing the program’s impact on their business.
Program Structure
The DSE Pilot Program offers a mix of in-person and virtual training, alongside hands-on mentoring, to equip participants with technical knowledge and practical digital skills.
Participant Benefits
In addition to gaining critical digital skills, the 30 women entrepreneurs will also benefit from:
Data stipends to stay connected during online sessions.
Transportation stipends to cover the cost of attending in-person sessions.
Next Steps
The Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Pilot Program is a significant initiative aimed at empowering women-owned MSMEs in Nigeria’s FCT to thrive in the digital age. The program will provide participants with the skills and tools necessary to scale their businesses, contributing to the broader digital economy.