Global technology firm Microsoft has partnered with local Nigerian youth platform ‘The Future Project’ to launch an online employability and mentorship programme.

Called ‘Aiki Nigeria’, the programme features a web based job and training resource centre that aims to provide guidance in the areas of career planning, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development, job sourcing and small business sustainability.

The online programme is expected to go live mid December.

At the unveiling of the programme in Lagos, Microsoft officials said Aiki Nigeria could help create jobs for a new generation of Nigerians and enable them to contribute to the national economy.

“In working with organisations, technology enthusiasts and governments at every level, we have emphasised the crucial importance of jobs for a new generation of Nigerians. This programme is a major step in leading a coordinated solution to this urgent problem,” said Ugochukwu Nwosu, Microsoft citizenship manager for anglophone West Africa.

Patrick Onwumere, director of youth enablement at Microsoft Africa, noted that the launch of the platform coincided with Microsoft marking 20 years of operations in the continent.

He noted that Aiki Nigeria was part of its African Initiative.

Similar projects are ongoing in Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tunisia.

Chude Jideonwo, executive director of The Future Project, said the firm had always invested in enterprise and expanding opportunities for young people.

“Through our enterprise support scheme platform, we have over five years created a platform for young people to build a community of opportunities, to connect with capacity and build a shared future of value. We are glad to be partnering with Microsoft to scale up this engagement and to reach a deeper pool of the un-served across the country,” he said.