BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

US IT giants strengthen 10,000 African SMEs with digital skills

Lezeth Khoza
By Lezeth Khoza, Junior journalist
Johannesburg, 10 Jul 2025
Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe.
Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe.

In its efforts to support African entrepreneurs, UpSkill Universe, a skills training provider, is collaborating with Google and HP to assist 10,000 small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa in developing essential digital and business skills for economic and business growth.

The plan also seeks to have at least 50% involvement from women-owned enterprises.

UpSkill Universe stated that the initiative, Skills for Business, intends to provide SMEs with practical tools to succeed in an increasingly digital environment, as well as access a wide range of courses on the HP LIFE platform.

"Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. It's more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow, especially as digital technologies transform business operations," said Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s head of business-2-business and brand marketing.

Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe, commented: "We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behaviour. 

"Through collaboration with HP Inc. and Google, we see an immense opportunity to empower businesses with the practical tips, tools, and technology – including AI, they need to grow, scale, and succeed.” 

Michele Malejki, global head of social impact at HP and executive director, HP Foundation, emphasised that when small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. He noted that the Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.

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