From Apprentice to Employer
Building a Business That Creates Jobs Every successful entrepreneur begins somewhere. For many, the journey starts as an apprentice, trainee, intern, or employee learning a skill under the guidance of a mentor. Through dedication, discipline, and practical experience, skills are developed, confidence grows, and opportunities emerge. However, the true transformation occurs when an individual moves […]
African Scale-Up Programs Target Growth-Stage Entrepreneurs
BY CHUKWUDI RUTH Across Africa, a significant shift is unfolding within the entrepreneurship ecosystem as increasing attention is being directed toward growth-stage businesses—ventures that have moved beyond startup infancy and are now poised for expansion, scalability, and long-term sustainability. This new wave of scale-up programs is redefining how entrepreneurial success is nurtured on the continent, […]
Nigeria Expands Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Opportunities Through New Training Programmes and Government Initiatives
BY CHUKWUDI RUTH Nigeria’s entrepreneurship and apprenticeship ecosystem continues to gain strong momentum as multiple new programmes and policy-driven initiatives emerge to tackle unemployment and promote skill-based economic growth across the country. One of the major highlights is the ongoing Lagos Apprenticeship Programme (LAP) 2026, which is currently open for applications. The initiative is designed […]
The “Nwa Boi” Rebirth: Nigerian Breweries Revives Igbo Apprenticeship Model to Train Next-Gen Beer Tycoons.
BY CHUKWUDI RUTH In a bold and culturally significant move, Nigerian Breweries Plc has reignited national attention to the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system—popularly known as “Nwa Boi”—by adapting it into a modern, structured training model to groom a new generation of entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s beverage and distribution industry. This initiative represents a strategic fusion of […]
New Entrepreneurship Training & Funding Opportunities Open.
BY CHUKWUDI RUTH Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to gain momentum as new training and funding opportunities open for aspiring and existing business owners across the country. One of the most notable developments is the launch of new programmes by institutions such as the Development Bank of Nigeria, which is rolling out its 2026 entrepreneurship training […]
Growing Recognition of Indigenous Apprenticeship Systems in Nigeria.
BY CHUKWUDI RUTH Nigeria’s indigenous apprenticeship systems are increasingly recognized as powerful frameworks for entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and wealth creation. The Igbo Apprenticeship System, renowned as one of Africa’s most successful informal business models, is rooted in mentorship, trust, and gradual business transfer, producing thousands of entrepreneurs across trade, commerce, and industry. […]
A New National Focus on Apprenticeship Development.
BY CHUKWUDI RUTH Nigeria’s apprenticeship system is receiving renewed national attention as policymakers, economic experts, and development institutions increasingly recognize it as a powerful engine for job creation, business development, and economic sustainability. Across the country, discussions are intensifying around the need to formalize, standardize, and scale apprenticeship systems, especially the highly successful Igbo apprenticeship […]