Nigerian women job opportunities: Standard Chartered and UNICEF collaborate to offer 1,500 sustainable jobs for young women in Nigeria

The Standard Chartered Foundation and UNICEF Generation Unlimited have partnered to provide 1,500 job opportunities for young Nigerian women, marking a significant step towards economic inclusion and youth employment.

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The three-year initiative targets women aged 18 to 24 from underserved communities, offering a structured pathway from skills training to sustainable employment.

The programme is also being implemented in Kenya, reflecting a regional effort to tackle youth unemployment through private-public collaboration.

Beneficiaries will be selected from participants who have completed UNICEF Generation Unlimited’s existing skills training programmes.

The focus extends beyond employability, emphasising job placement and long-term economic inclusion.

UNICEF offices in Nigeria and Kenya will coordinate with local job placement experts and private sector partners to match participants with employment opportunities.

The programme also aligns with local government initiatives to ensure jobs meet community and regional labour needs.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Acting CEO of Standard Chartered Nigeria, Ayodeji Adelagun, said the partnership strengthens local economies by bridging talent development with real employment.

“Creating dignified work opportunities demonstrates meaningful private sector participation in national development and supports inclusive growth,” he added.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Wafaa Saeed, described the initiative as timely for young women with skills and determination but limited access to opportunities.

“Empowering women economically improves family wellbeing and strengthens entire communities,” she said.

The collaboration is expected to improve employment outcomes for young women while encouraging private sector engagement in inclusive economic development across Nigeria and Kenya.

The initiative complements other national programmes addressing youth unemployment, such as the Federal Government’s Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which provides interest-free loans to support entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans.

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By creating tangible economic opportunities for thousands of young women, the Standard Chartered–UNICEF partnership highlights a practical solution to persistent challenges of youth unemployment and gender inequality in Nigeria.