HP Inc., in collaboration with UpSkill Universe and Google’s Hustle Academy has empowered Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) in Nigeria with digital tools and skills to drive sustainable business growth.

The one-day intensive bootcamp held in Lagos is aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with focus on preparing SMBs for the future of work through hands-on training in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative is part of Google’s Hustle Academy, which has trained over 14,000 businesses across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, with a special emphasis on women-led enterprises and job creation.

This initiative aligns with HP Foundation’s mission to promote accessibility to courses on the HP LIFE platform, enabling people all over the world to learn core business concepts and the critical skills needed for the future of work.

Speaking at the event, the Country Director for HP Nigeria, Emmanuel Eze, emphasised the strategic importance of Nigeria in HP’s digital expansion plans. He said Nigeria is a very strategic market, and being the most populous country, it has a vibrant tech ecosystem, with new startups emerging every day.

According to him, while millions are already online, many more are yet to be connected, and that presents a huge opportunity to grow the digital ecosystem.”

He noted that HP has committed to training at least 150 million people globally by 2030, and Nigeria remains a critical hub in achieving that target.

Eze, however, identified poor infrastructure and weak policy frameworks as key challenges to equitable access to digital resources, especially in underserved areas.

To address these issues, Eze said HP is working closely with local NGOs to extend digital education to remote communities. Eze emphasized that bridging Nigeria’s digital divide requires collective action.

Eze stated that through strategic partnerships, HP has already made a measurable impact in Nigeria. He said the company has worked with organisations such as Slum2School, She Code Africa, and the One Million Teachers initiative.

He explained that Slum2School reaches underserved children in remote areas, while She Code Africa empowers women in tech, especially where gender equity policies are lacking.

Eze also encouraged participants to take advantage of the HP LIFE platform, a free online learning resource offering training in business, tech, and soft skills.

He noted that UpSkill Universe, a training partner at the bootcamp, is helping participants onboard and providing hands-on support.