Tinubu Backs Mastercard Digital Skills Plan For Nigerian SMEs

President Bola Tinubu has backed Mastercard’s proposal to support Nigerian businesses with digital skills and tools, saying the country’s young workforce is ready for wider participation in the global economy.

Channels TV and Premium Times reported that Tinubu spoke on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja while receiving a Mastercard delegation led by the company’s global chief executive, Michael Miebach.

Channels TV reported that Mastercard proposed training five million businesses. Premium Times reported that Tinubu welcomed the plan and linked it to the government’s efforts to formalise small businesses and expand digital adoption.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s youth population remains one of the country’s main economic assets. He told the delegation that more young Nigerians would be supported with digital skills for current and future work.

The president also said payment platforms and business registration would be important for bringing more micro, small and medium enterprises into the formal economy.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including representatives involved in finance and economic coordination. Mastercard has been expanding digital payment and financial inclusion projects across several African markets.

The proposal comes as Nigeria continues to push technology adoption among small businesses while trying to attract more private investment into the digital economy.

Sources: Channels TV, Premium Times