In partnership with ALX, Eniolorunda hosted a four-hour virtual Entrepreneurship Masterclass bringing together 100 female business owners for a hands-on session designed to move them from petty trading to building valuable enterprises.

The masterclass was structured around three practical modules:

• The Model, The Money, and The Plan with each session facilitated by a subject matter expert and anchored in live, guided exercises rather than passive instruction.

Participants also completed a one-page Lean Canvas draft, worked through a pricing and profit calculator to identify their break-even points and profitability levers, and closed the session by drafting a personal 30-60-90 day execution roadmap with weekly actions and measurable KPIs. Every participant left with a resource pack to continue applying the tools after the session.

One of the modules involved guiding participants through the fundamentals of building a scalable business model with a focus on customer definition, problem articulation, value proposition, and channels while others focused on pricing and financial fundamentals, equipping participants with the confidence to understand their numbers and make informed decisions about growth.

Iwalola Sobowale, director of Customer Experience and Market Research at Moniepoint, addressed participants during a dedicated product session, walking them through how Moniepoint’s suite of tools which span payments, business banking, and operations management with a particular focus on Moniebook to support smarter, more efficient business growth.

This Masterclass reflects Eniolorunda’s long-standing position that the work of inclusion does not end at access.

At the 2024 International Financial Inclusion Conference convened by the Central Bank of Nigeria, he argued that financial inclusion for women “must no longer be treated as a buzzword, charitable social activity or a checklist to be marked, averring that it must be rooted in economic and business activities that are well underlined by data.” 

Research consistently shows that women-owned businesses demonstrate stronger repayment discipline and higher financial engagement when given access to the right tools, making investment in women entrepreneurs both a moral and economic imperative. “It is actually more profitable to serve women,” Eniolorunda has said.

Speaking on the imperative of the initiative, he noted:

“We’re at a point where technology can significantly accelerate business growth, but access alone isn’t enough. What matters is giving entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence to use these tools effectively. This masterclass is about equipping women with insights they can apply immediately to grow their businesses.”

ALX, the project partner is a pan-African technology and professional skills training platform committed to developing the next generation of African leaders through world-class, practically grounded programmes.

The initiative sits within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality, specifically its targets around women’s full and effective participation in economic life and expanding access to financial services and quality education for women entrepreneurs. It builds on Eniolorunda’s broader record in this space, including the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation’s financial literacy programme for female STEM students at Obafemi Awolowo University which has its root in his belief that “there can be no sustainable financial inclusion without financial literacy as its cornerstone.”

The partnership aims to modernise how students learn and how teachers prepare lessons, starting with a large-scale pilot in Rwanda.

The programme builds on an earlier rollout among ALX learners across the continent. That first test phase recorded over 1,100 conversations and more than 4,000 interactions in just two days, a sign of early appetite for the tool. 

The partners are now changing their attention to Rwanda’s public education system, where thousands of teachers, lecturers and selected civil servants will be provided with digital training designed to strengthen lesson planning, stimulate curiosity and raise teaching standards.

The core idea is instead of simply giving answers, Chidi guides users through questions that encourage deeper thinking. Teachers can use it to refine lesson structure or spark new classroom discussions, while students gain round-the-clock access to support that helps them reason through problems at their own pace.

Under the second phase of the programme, up to 2,000 Rwandan educators will take part in ALX’s AI Career Essentials training. Participants will receive hands-on exposure to tools provided through Anthropic’s Claude platform, along with a year’s access to Claude Pro, Claude Code and additional education-focused features once they complete the pilot.

A joint working group drawn from ALX, Anthropic and Rwanda’s government will track the outcomes. Their findings will help build Rwanda’s national direction on technology in education, including the development of future tools such as Chidi for Schools and potential models suited to African languages.

Beyond the classroom impact, the collaboration aims to strengthen Rwanda’s long-term technical readiness. Several ministries are providing policy support, access to institutions and a framework to scale the initiative without taking on financial obligations.

The partners view this as a model that can be adopted by neighbouring countries. Rwanda is effectively serving as the first testing ground for a system designed to support both teaching and public-sector work, while enabling Africa to develop solutions that match global standards.

Fred Swaniker, ALX’s founder and CEO, noted the vision of the programme. 

“This collaboration marks a bold step in redefining how African talent learns, works, and leads in the age of AI,” he said. “Through our partnership with Anthropic and the Government of Rwanda, we are ensuring that Africa’s youth are not just consumers of AI, but creators, shaping the innovations that will define the global economy.”

The initiative supports Rwanda’s goal of building a workforce prepared for future industries, while giving African students and educators access to tools typically concentrated in global tech hubs. 

The partners intend to expand the programme once the pilot concludes and the impact becomes measurable.

In a celebration of innovation, grit, and ambition, ALX officially launched its 2025 Ventures Incubator Cohort, an elite group of startup founders handpicked from across the country, while simultaneously premiering the grand finale of the pan-African “Do Hard Things Challenge” at its Lagos hub.

From tech founders solving community challenges to creatives turning ideas into global solutions, ALX is backing the bold and building the infrastructure to help them scale.

The ALX Ventures Incubator is the next big leap for graduates of the Founder Academy, providing them with hands-on mentorship, investor access, and the resources to grow sustainable businesses that shape the future of the continent.

“The launch of the ALX Ventures Incubator is proof of our unwavering commitment to building the infrastructure for African innovation to thrive,” said Ruby Igwe, country general manager at ALX Nigeria. “We witnessed incredible potential at our Founder Academy, and this next step ensures that these promising startups receive the support they need to grow into high-impact ventures. It’s about translating potential into lasting impact.”

These new ventures are powered by the same spirit that drove the Do Hard Things Challenge—a bold initiative that saw ALX travel to eight African cities in search of the continent’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.

The final stop? Mauritius, where top finalists pitched in a high-stakes finale, now screened live for the Lagos tech and media community.

The challenge took ALX across Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kigali, Accra, Cairo, Casablanca, and Addis Ababa, shining a spotlight on resilience, creativity, and unstoppable drive.

“The ‘Do Hard Things Challenge’ embodies the spirit we cultivate at ALX: resilience, ambition, and the courage to tackle complex problems,” said Joshua Ebinabo, ALX Ventures country entrepreneurship development manager. “Showcasing the finale from Mauritius here in Lagos connects our local innovators to the broader African story. It inspires our learners, reassures parents about the future of tech, and shows business leaders the investment-ready talent right here in our ecosystem.”

The event brought together founders, business leaders, creators, and media influencers—all gathered to witness what happens when African talent is seen, celebrated, and supported.

The energy was electric, the vision was bold, and the mission was clear: empower Africa’s brightest minds to build global solutions from right here on the continent.

Whether you’re a startup founder looking to scale or a dreamer looking for your big break, ALX continues to be the launchpad for Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial revolution.

The countries include Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt, with over eight hundred of them from Nigeria as part of its first cohort of the Data Science program.

For the Nigerian learners, the graduation ceremony was held physically at the ALX Nigeria hub in Lagos, with parents and guardians in attendance to cheer their wards.

The program, which started with a two-month ALX Foundations module, focused on essential communication, leadership, and career-building skills, providing learners with the soft skills needed to succeed in the digital workforce.

Afterwards, learners specialized in Data Science, covering topics like spreadsheets, statistics, data modeling, SQL, Power BI, Python, and cloud computing.

The new graduates will serve as a reference point and motivation to other community members while they await the next phase of their career path in the job space.

This milestone reflects ALX Nigeria’s commitment to advancing tech learning across the continent and empowering the next generation of African tech leaders.

At the graduation ceremony, Ruby Igwe, ALX Nigeria Country General Manager, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,

“The success of our first Data Science cohort is an affirmation of the potential within our youthful population. This set of graduates has shown extraordinary commitment and has developed the skills needed to lead in the tech industry. We cannot wait to see the impact they will make in Africa and the world at large.”

Seun Babajide-Duroshola, ALX Nigeria Country Marketing Manager, stated that the graduation only marks the beginning of more impactful experiences in 2024. “This year has been very impactful for us at ALX Nigeria, and we have had an amazing array of experiences with our community of learners and graduates. There is no better time to kickstart your tech journey with us than now.”

ALX is renowned for its world-class training tech programs, which are dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of young people by empowering them with the skills and job readiness preparation needed to thrive in the tech industry. These programs undoubtedly shape the next generation of tech leaders who will drive innovation and progress across Africa.

Visit alxafrica.ng to find out more about ALX program offerings.

This event brought together tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, and key stakeholders to explore the transformative potential of technology in shaping Africa’s future.

The summit featured insightful discussions on how technology can drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and empower the next generation of African leaders.

Ruby Igwe, the country manager of ALX Nigeria, delivered a compelling keynote address that highlighted the role of tech-driven entrepreneurship in ensuring employability and economic growth (SDG 8).

“The YALI Network Tech Summit has been a remarkable success, showcasing the vibrant potential and innovative spirit of Africa’s tech community,” Ruby remarked. “At ALX, we are committed to nurturing this talent and providing the necessary tools and resources to help Africa’s youth thrive in the digital economy. We are excited to be part of this journey and look forward to supporting future editions of this impactful event.”

In addition to the keynote address, Adebimpe Odulana, the Partnerships Lead at ALX Nigeria, participated in a dynamic panel session focused on how strategic partnerships can expand job opportunities across the continent.

The session provided valuable insights into creating sustainable employment solutions through collaboration between educational institutions, tech companies, and government agencies.

The YALI Network Tech Summit provided a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue, network with industry leaders, and gain practical knowledge about the latest technological trends and innovations.

ALX’s involvement shows its dedication to fostering a robust tech ecosystem in Africa and driving inclusive growth through technology.

With the introduction of its Virtual Assistant, Al Career Essentials and Professional Foundations programmes which require no admin fee, it continues to champion tech education and innovation and remains steadfast in its mission to empower Africa’s future leaders.

The positive reception of their contributions at the YALI Network Tech Summit reaffirms ALX’s role as a key player in the tech industry and its commitment to supporting initiatives that propel Africa towards a prosperous future.

The Programme, Techeconomy gathered, is an early-career development programme for engineering talents to develop competencies in end-to-end electronic funds transfer technology and operations.

Through this new programme, which will incorporate six months of intensive and hands-on training and global exposure to latest dynamics and best practices in Switching and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) technologies, Interswitch hopes to onboard up to 40 EFT engineering talents.

The programme is targeted at young graduates and engineering talents with 0-5 years of work experience, incorporating fundamental skills in technical support/implementation within banking & fintech environments, and some programming proficiency.

According to the company’s official announcement unveiling the programme, the initiative follows career development opportunities which were announced in the course of the highly topical 3rd edition of its annual career fair a few weeks back, which was themed “Reimagining Work: People, Culture, Technology”, essentially highlighting the need for young upwardly mobile talent to view the future of work from a different lens by leveraging innovative technologies to enhance productivity in the modern workplace.

• As a way of consolidating the gains from the career fair, Interswitch had also indicated that it has forged strategic partnerships with leading organisations such as LinkedIn, ProductDive, ALX, Oscar Temple, Kendor, Udemy, Decagon, and Semicolon, ensuring that attendees have ongoing direct access to a vast pool of expertise and unparalleled upskilling opportunities delivered by renowned experts.

Interswitch describes the new EFT Engineering Programme as “the most comprehensive, six-month intensive, hands-on payments engineering programme that will offer successful participants an exciting opportunity to learn from the very best in EFT engineering and operations locally and globally, hitting the road running by working on real projects that impact Africa’s digital banking landscape, and progressively shaping the future of payment technology in Africa, a continent that’s ranked the 2nd most innovative on the global payments innovation matrix.”

According to a 2023 study by SAP Africa, firms across West and East Africa continue to grapple with acute tech talent shortages, with the challenges expected to intensify over the next few years.

The report specifically indicates that 93% of organisations across the two regions say their needs for tech skills have increased in the past 24 months and 80% of Nigerian firms surveyed indicated they currently experience significant tech skill shortages.

A statement by Interswitch asserts that the frontline technology company has resolved to take the bull by the horns in re-writing the narrative around the issue of brain-drain from Africa.

Interswitch expresses strong conviction that;

“The onus lies on tech firms of African origin like ours to aggressively raise a new generation of talent, not just to meet our own company-specific recruitment requirements, but to replenish the talent pipeline holistically for the local industry, which underscores such talent development interventions like our latest EFT Engineering Programme, as well as through distinctive approaches to internal and external talent development and management, which have consistently been recognized at the annual Linkedin Talent Awards and Linkedin’s Top Employers in Nigeria series in 2019, 2022 and 2023, include the Interswitch Engineering Academy, the pioneering #InterswitchJobShadowing Program, and the Interswitch Career Fair Series, arguably Africa’s biggest annual technology career fair, now in its 3rd year.”

Applications for the inaugural Interswitch EFT Engineering Programme are ongoing and can be accessed on the company’s recruitment portal via the link here.

This esteemed recognition demonstrates ALX’s dedication to developing talents who will propel Africa’s innovation industry forward.

The GAGE Awards, Africa’s biggest digital awards, renowned for celebrating excellence and innovation, has bestowed this accolade upon ALX in recognition of its exceptional contributions to the tech industry. With a focus on empowering young people and providing them with the knowledge, skills and support they need for a successful tech career, ALX emerged as a beacon of innovation and a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Ruby Igwe, the Country General Manager, ALX Nigeria, expressed profound gratitude for the honour, stating, “We are truly honoured to be recognised as the Tech Accelerator of the Year by GAGE. This award is  proof of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, whose passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been the driving force of our success. And most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to the inspiring ALX learners and fellows across Nigeria and Africa, who made our receipt of this award possible by continuing to defy the odds, break barriers and transform our world for the better, by doing hard things.”

She further added, “ALX believes firmly in raising young leaders that will continue to change Nigeria and Africa for the better and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where groundbreaking ideas can flourish, and where young people are empowered to create lasting impact.”

ALX continues to play a pivotal role in promoting innovation and providing a platform for budding visionary tech entrepreneurs.

Through its world-class and comprehensive programmes, strategic partnerships, and dynamic community, ALX remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and professionals.

This significant milestone underscores ALX’s commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders across Africa, equipped with innovative skills in AI technology.

In his welcome address, the host, Gavin Peter, VP, of Community and Culture at ALX, emphasized the essence of the event, termed “Karibu” which means ‘Welcome’ in Swahili, saying, “It is our usual ritual to start our ALX courses. We want our learners to feel welcome and part of the family.

“ALX is a community where we all belong and meet each other. We want to upskill young Africans and prepare them to launch so that they can grow their careers and make an impact.”

The AiCE programme offered by ALX introduces participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools essential to their professional practice.

For six weeks, learners will be equipped with knowledge of the rapid advancement of AI and its increasing relevance across various industries.

Through this course, ALX takes on the responsibility of equipping African talents with the necessary expertise to harness the potential available with Artificial Intelligence.

Out of the 30,000 learners onboarded across Africa from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Rwanda and Kenya, over 5,000 came from Nigeria.

This significant feat is a testament to the dedication and resilience shown by ALX Nigeria. Also, a strong and vibrant community, impactful engagements, and evidential testimonials of personal and professional growth are only a few of the many identifiers of this success.

Commenting on this significant achievement, the ALX Country General Manager, Ruby Igwe, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are immensely proud to welcome 30,000 new learners to our AI programme. This milestone reflects our dedication to providing accessible, world-class education that empowers individuals to shape the future of Africa. Through our AI Career Essentials programme, we aim to cultivate a diverse community of innovators who will drive technological advancement and economic growth across the continent.”

She further stated,

“ALX is not just a learning platform; it’s a community where learners come together to grow, inspire, and support one another. As we extend our heartfelt “Karibu” to our new learners, we are excited to witness the impact they will make as they harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to drive innovation and change across Africa.”

“Karibu to all our new AiCE learners! As they embark on this exciting adventure together, the possibilities are just limitless,” remarked Igwe.

ALX remains dedicated to expanding access to transformative education and empowering African talents to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As the continent continues to embrace technological innovation, ALX stands as a beacon of hope, guiding learners toward a future filled with endless possibilities.

To apply and find out more about the AiCE and other Tech offerings from ALX, visit bit.ly/alx9ja.

The competition, which was organized to empower young entrepreneurs to realize their business aspirations showcased nine final contestants drawn from current learners at the different ALX programmes and hubs.

The contestants and their business names are Patrick Asuama (Mechanic Africa), Abayomi Odole (Topical Test Limited), Ani Aloysius (Bellator Imperium Mech Tech Services), Odunayo Oladimeji (CancerCompass and Med Crescent), Oluwatosin Mogbadunade (PlannedPath Consults), David Oladele (VeldtsDigital Technologies), Oniya Olaiya Joseph (TAG-ALONG LTD), Judith Ekwunife (Marvel Personality) and Olanike Ogundiran (Seamailer).

Judith Ekwunife of Marvel Personality emerged winner of the competition assessed by a four-man judging panel and was awarded the sum of five hundred thousand Naira.

Another contestant, Oluwatosin Mogbadunade of PlannedPath Consults emerged as the first runner-up and received the sum of Three hundred thousand Naira while Odunayo Oladimeji with the business name, CancerCompass received Two hundred thousand Naira as the 2nd runner up.

Commenting on this collaboration, Chineze Amanfo, PR Lead, 9mobile, said,

“At 9mobile, we are committed to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of entrepreneurs across different industries. We recognize the potential within the youths and their ability to drive transformative change through entrepreneurship and we are happy to partner with ALX Nigeria to provide startups with the necessary support to succeed”.

She emphasized that 9mobile remains Nigeria’s most innovative and tech-driven telecommunications company committed to promoting entrepreneurship ideas that boost the nation’s creative economy.

“9mobile’s sponsorship of the “Pitch Your Business” competition by ALX Nigeria aligns with the company’s commitment to foster innovation, empower the youths, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and Africa.”

Seun Babajide-Duroshola, Country Growth Marketing Manager, ALX Nigeria, said,

“This partnership excites us as an organization because we are not only focused on providing quality and in-demand tech skills to our learners, but we are also passionate about how they can improve their entrepreneurial skills and achieve their business goals.”

The “Pitch Your Business” competition by ALX Nigeria represents a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to highlight their innovative business ideas and solutions that can positively impact their communities and beyond.

Through this partnership, 9mobile aims to provide a platform for these young visionaries to amplify their voices and receive the necessary support to bring their ideas to fruition.

9mobile is a youthful brand, and we want young people to thrive and succeed in their ventures.

The event, brought together a diverse audience eager to gain insights into the digital realm.

Chukwudi began by drawing a clear distinction between two fundamental categories of individuals within the digital landscape: digital producers and digital consumers.

He emphasized that digital producers, akin to iconic figures such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, occupy the apex of the reward system in this dynamic ecosystem.

The CEO extolled the importance of mathematics as the cornerstone of the technology world. He posited that mathematics serves as the bedrock for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills within individuals.

Edeoga went on to encourage participants to cultivate a profound affinity for mathematics, recognizing it as an essential asset for navigating the ever-evolving tech terrain.

Furthermore, he emphasized the indispensable role of collaboration and partnership within the digital sphere.

He stressed that it is paramount to seek out collaborators who excel in areas where one may have deficiencies.

This resonates with the prevailing ethos of teamwork and the art of pooling diverse talents to address complex challenges.

In the digital era, Engr. Chukwudi Edeoga’s insights serve as a guiding light, shedding clarity on the significance of digital producers, the foundational importance of mathematics in the technology sector, and the critical need for collaboration to thrive in the digital ecosystem, Mr Vincent, one of the participant, corresponded.