Business partnership trio of UpSkill Universe, HP, and Google introduce 'Skills for Business' initiative, aiming to enhance and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa.

In a significant move to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa, UpSkill Universe, Google, and HP Inc. have launched the Skills for Business program. This initiative aims to equip 10,000 SMEs directly, and over 59,000 workers indirectly, with the necessary digital and business skills to promote economic growth and sustainability [1][2][3].

The program offers a hybrid training delivery model, combining online and in-person training, ensuring flexible and comprehensive learning experiences [1]. It also places a strong emphasis on inclusion, actively targeting women-led SMEs, recognising their significant role in Africa's informal economy and supporting gender equity in business [1][4].

SMEs participating in the program will benefit from practical knowledge and tools in digital marketing, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The program leverages HP LIFE, a global online business training platform powered by the HP Foundation, to deliver these action-oriented modules [1][2][4]. Google contributes deep expertise in digital strategy and growth, ensuring SMEs access cutting-edge digital tools and insights suited for today’s market challenges [2][4][5].

The program provides specific courses and tools, such as training modules utilizing AI technology insights (Upskill Universe, with Google’s expertise), digital strategy expertise and tools (Google), and practical e-commerce modules (HP LIFE) [1][2][4].

Kristy Grant, Google SSA's Head of B2B & Brand Marketing, emphasised the importance of helping small businesses access skills and tools for growth, especially in the context of digital transformation [6]. Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation, stated that the Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work [7].

The Skills for Business program is part of HP's efforts to provide access to technology and digital skills content that enhances skills and economic opportunity [3]. HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030, and the Skills for Business program is one of the ways they aim to provide support for SMEs to grow, scale, and succeed [8].

The program will deliver more than 30 practical training modules, including boosting productivity with AI, digital marketing essentials, and starting an e-commerce journey, through HP LIFE [8]. Participants will also have access to HP LIFE, the HP Foundation's free global online business skills training program [1].

As the world increasingly moves towards a digital economy, initiatives like the Skills for Business program are crucial in ensuring that African SMEs can thrive and contribute to the continent's economic growth and development.

References: [1] UpSkill Universe. (2023). Skills for Business. Retrieved from https://upskilluniverse.com/skills-for-business/ [2] HP Inc. (2023). Skills for Business. Retrieved from https://www.hp.com/us-en/sustainable-impact/skills-for-business [3] HP Inc. (2023). Skills for Business: Empowering Small Businesses in Nigeria and South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.hp.com/us-en/newsroom/press-releases/2023/skills-for-business-empowering-small-businesses-in-nigeria-and-south-africa.html [4] Google. (2023). Skills for Business. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/about/sustainability/skills-for-business/ [5] Google. (2023). Hustle Academy. Retrieved from https://hustleacademy.withgoogle.com/ [6] Google SSA. (2023). Kristy Grant, Head of B2B & Brand Marketing. Retrieved from https://www.googlesouthafrica.com/about/team/kristy-grant/ [7] HP Inc. (2023). Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.hp.com/us-en/about/executives/michele-malejki [8] HP Inc. (2023). Accelerating Digital Equity. Retrieved from https://www.hp.com/us-en/sustainable-impact/accelerating-digital-equity

The Skills for Business program, offered by UpSkill Universe, Google, and HP Inc., emphasizes the delivery of digital marketing, e-commerce, and AI applications to African SMEs for economic growth and sustainability.
Google contributes deep expertise in digital strategy and growth, ensuring SMEs access cutting-edge digital tools and insights suited for the current market challenges.
The program leverages HP LIFE, a global online business training platform powered by the HP Foundation, to deliver action-oriented modules in digital marketing, AI, and e-commerce.
HP's Skills for Business program aims to provide access to technology and digital skills content, enhancing skills and economic opportunity for SMEs in Nigeria and South Africa.
In promoting digital equity, HP strives to support 150 million people by 2030, with the Skills for Business program being one of the ways they aim to provide resources for SMEs to grow, scale, and succeed.

Business partnership trio of UpSkill Universe, HP, and Google introduce 'Skills for Business' initiative, aiming to enhance and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa.