Empowering Nigerian Youth: Nestlé and Swiss Confederation Transform Lives Through Skills Training and Job Creation

Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Engineers

In a remarkable display of commitment to youth empowerment and skill development, Nestlé and the Swiss Confederation celebrated the achievements of 20 young Nigerians who completed the Nestlé Technical Training Program at the Agbara facility. For the 13th consecutive year, the graduates received globally recognized City & Guilds certifications, with the top five earning an exclusive eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland. These graduates are now equipped to launch their careers in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering, a field critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth

Bridging the Skills Gap

This initiative is part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth program in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It seeks to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria by providing young talent with practical, hands-on training inspired by the Swiss dual education system. The program offers an 18-month curriculum, blending theoretical and practical education at a dedicated training center in Nestlé’s Agbara factory. Each year, a rigorous selection process identifies 20 promising candidates from an applicant pool of over 10,000.

“Africa is home to the world’s largest population of youth, and Nigeria stands out with its dynamic potential,” said Remy Ejel, Nestlé Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. “Empowering young people with technical skills is crucial to fostering economic growth and ensuring sustainable development. For more than 60 years, Nestlé has contributed to Nigeria’s progress, and this program reflects our commitment to its future.”

Personal Success Stories

One of the program’s standout graduates, 25-year-old Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, shared her transformative journey. “Participating in this program has been life-changing. I not only gained technical expertise but also experienced a unique cultural exchange during my internship in Switzerland,” Dolapo said. “These experiences have given me a competitive edge and prepared me for a fulfilling career in engineering.” Dolapo aspires to become a Technical Manager and is eager to contribute to sustainable advancements in her field.

A Model for Public-Private Partnerships

The success of the Nestlé Technical Training Program extends beyond individual achievements. It also strengthens ties between Switzerland and Nigeria, fostering cultural exchange and economic collaboration. His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, applauded the program: “A skilled workforce is essential for Nigeria’s development. I encourage these graduates to serve as ambassadors for their peers, sharing the knowledge they’ve gained to uplift others.”

Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria. “This program exemplifies a successful public-private partnership. By creating meaningful economic opportunities, we address migration challenges while contributing to sustainable development,” she stated.

Looking Ahead

To date, nearly 230 Nigerian youth have completed the program, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. The initiative is part of Nestlé’s broader ambition to create 10 million economic opportunities worldwide by 2030, including reaching over 5 million youth in Asia, Oceania, and Africa. By leveraging global expertise and local insights, Nestlé continues to drive sustainable change in the communities it serves.