A unique collaboration combining migration expertise, a local university and the private sector, opens up opportunities for the local population, the site of activity and businesses
ENUGU, Nigeria and VIENNA, November 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — About November 25, 2022a vocational training center, the Practical Skills Center, as well as the Godfrey Okoye University European Business Park, have been opened in Enugu, Nigeria. This unique combination of involving private contractors and training skilled workers will enable 100 people a year to undertake dual education and training to learn skilled trades and become plumbers, electricians and construction supervisors.
Companies located in the business park will be responsible for practical training, while theory will be taught by the Practical Skills Centre. The business park was created by private investors. However, the Practical Skills Center is implemented by the International Center for Migration Policy (ICMPD) in collaboration with private investors as well as the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), while operational support is provided by GIZ funded by the German government. Godfrey Okoye University is a local partner and provided the land for the site. In addition, the university certifies education and training and provides opportunities for professional development. As part of this cooperation, skilled workers are additionally prepared for the labor market/private investors through an entrepreneurship program (STEP).
“A high and professional level of training helps all parties: people can find skilled work, a sustainable transfer of knowledge takes place and companies have skilled workers,” says the ICMPD Director General. Michael Spindelegger on the main benefits of the initiative. “For us, this is respectful cooperation on an equal footing from which all parties benefit – the people, the country and the companies.”
One of the aims of the initiative is to create opportunities for the local population. The training of skilled workers complies with European standards and is based on the dual principle of theory and practice. At the same time, the aim is to specifically attract small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Nigeria with its large and growing market of over 220 million people. The three main obstacles preventing SMEs from setting up in African countries have been overcome thanks to the business park: firstly, the infrastructure of the business park is in line with European standards and the park has its own independent supply in energy and water. Secondly, safety is guaranteed by the business park’s partnership with Godfrey Okoye University (a Catholic university), a well-known local institution. Third, companies have access to skilled workers whom they have helped to train in their own companies.
“Many European companies see the opportunities that exist in many African markets. Usually only very large ones dare to take the plunge. That is why we have created the conditions so that SMEs can also establish themselves in a safe and secure environment. steady.,” says ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger. “In view of these opportunities, many companies are ready to help train the workers they will soon employ. On this basis, they can then participate in from Nigeria growing yet unpenetrated market of over 220 million people.”
From 2024, the objective is to expand the training program to construction, IT, agri-food, textile and tourism trades, to offer the corresponding training trades and to attract new businesses. There are also plans to open a start-up center in 2025, which will help people become self-employed and start their own business. Amounting to 4.5 million euros, all funds invested in the business park come from Austrian investors. The running costs of the Practical Competence Center are covered by the German government through GIZ as main sponsor and by ADA.
To date, among the companies that have settled there is the producer of pipe systems KE KELIT, construction company Elite Bau, installation engineers Elektro MERL and bakery company Gragger. Companies place great importance on location factors such as no language barrier (the official language is English), additional training in entrepreneurship, time difference of only one hour, tax and legal assistance provided to start-ups by staff. at the European business park.
Bernard Schragl
Spokesperson, communications and media coordinator ICMPD
Tel: +43 1 504 4677 2444
[email protected]
About the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)
The International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organization with 19 Member States and over 460 staff members. Active in more than 90 countries around the world, it takes a regional approach in its work to create effective cooperation and partnerships along migration routes. Priority regions include Africacentral and South Asia, Europeand the Middle East. Its three-pillar approach to migration management – structurally linking research, migration dialogues and capacity building – contributes to better development of migration policies around the world. The Viennathe based organization has a mission in Brusselsa regional office in Malta and project offices in several countries. ICMPD receives funding from its Member States, the European Commission, the UN and other multilateral institutions, as well as bilateral donors. Founded in 1993, the ICMPD holds observer status with the United Nations and cooperates with more than 700 partners, including EU institutions and UN agencies.
For more information on ICMPD, visit: www.icmpd.org
SOURCE International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)