Nestlé and Swiss Consulate Empower Nigerian Youth with Technical Skills and Global Opportunities

For the 13th consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has continued its commitment to youth empowerment through its Technical Training Program, hosted at its Agbara factory. This year, over 20 young Nigerians received scholarships and training, culminating in the prestigious City & Guilds certifications. To further enhance their skills, the top five graduates completed an eight-week apprenticeship at Nestlé’s technical sites in Orbe and Broc, Switzerland. These graduates are now poised to launch their engineering careers with Nestlé Nigeria.

The program is part of Nestlé’s global Needs YOUth initiative, which operates across three centers in Nigeria: Agbara, Abaji, and Flowergate. This initiative equips young Nigerians with practical skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering, increasing their employability and contributing to the local economy. The Agbara center operates in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM), blending global expertise with local impact.

“Africa’s youth represent a significant resource for economic growth, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30,” said Remy Ejel, Nestlé’s Executive Vice President and CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa. “Nestlé’s presence in Nigeria for over six decades underscores our dedication to the country’s development. Through this program, we are creating opportunities for skilled labor while strengthening the local economy.”

Since its inception in 2011, the program has received an average of 10,000 applications annually, selecting up to 60 apprentices through a rigorous process. The 18-month training combines theoretical and practical education, with participants earning certifications in levels 3, 4, and 5 from the City & Guilds of London.

Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, a 25-year-old graduate of the program, shared her transformative experience: “The Nestlé Technical Training Program has expanded my skills, academic knowledge, and cultural understanding. My internship in Switzerland, combined with the training in Nigeria, has given me a competitive edge and laid a solid foundation for my career.”

The program also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens ties between Switzerland and Nigeria. His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Nigeria’s Chargé D’Affaires to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, praised the initiative: “This program is a testament to the importance of equipping youth with skills for sustainable growth. I encourage the graduates to leverage their expertise to inspire and share knowledge with their peers.”

Since 2011, nearly 230 trainees have graduated from the program, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. The partnership between Nestlé and SEM reflects a shared commitment to creating economic opportunities for youth.

Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor at SEM, highlighted the program’s broader impact: “This initiative exemplifies a successful Swiss public-private partnership, addressing local challenges and creating meaningful opportunities. It aligns with the goals of the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which seeks to promote local economic development.”

In 2024, 70 top-performing participants from the Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji programs completed their apprenticeships. Inspired by Switzerland’s dual education model, the program integrates theoretical learning with hands-on experience, creating a significant positive impact on local communities.

The Nestlé Needs YOUth program, launched in 2013, aims to help 10 million young people worldwide access economic opportunities by 2030, with a specific target of reaching over 5 million youth across Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Through its technical training programs, Nestlé continues to equip young Nigerians with the skills and experiences they need to build brighter futures.