Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme 2026: Nigerian Youths Can Gain Employment Training, Internships and Enterprise Support in Abuja

The Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme 2026 is an initiative implemented under the Non-Formal Education (NFE) programme of the British Council, designed to strengthen the ability of Nigerian youths to participate meaningfully in the economy. The programme focuses on inclusive economic empowerment through structured employment and enterprise pathways across several locations in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Rivers states. For participants in Abuja, Octoville Development Company Limited serves as the implementing partner.

The programme begins with an 8-week Foundational Phase focusing on soft skills, digital literacy, financial literacy, career readiness, entrepreneurial awareness, workplace preparation, and practical employability skills. Following the foundational phase, participants can progress into one of two specialised pathways:

1. Employment Pathway: Consists of an 8-week employment-focused training programme followed by a 6-week supervised internship with a partner employer to gain practical workplace experience.

2. Enterprise Pathway: Provides 16 weeks of enterprise-focused training with 8 weeks of concurrent mentoring to help aspiring entrepreneurs build and scale sustainable enterprises.