Nigeria has taken a bold step in strengthening its digital economy as PalmPay, a leading fintech company, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to train more than one million young people in data protection and digital safety over the next three years.
The initiative, known as the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training Programme, was unveiled at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. It is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and practical skills required to stay safe in the digital space. Organisers emphasised that with young people making up more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, the programme is critical to shaping a future workforce that is secure, innovative, and globally competitive.
At the launch, the Minister of Youth Development described the initiative as an effort to build a “privacy-first generation” that can confidently participate in the digital economy. He explained that while Nigeria passed its Data Protection Act in 2023, awareness and enforcement remain weak. The country has more than half a million data controllers, yet the number of certified Data Protection Officers is still very limited, leaving gaps in digital security across businesses and government institutions.
PalmPay’s Managing Director stressed that protecting user information is just as important as driving technological innovation. He said the company integrates privacy safeguards at every stage of product development, noting that the new programme will combine training, mentorship, and opportunities for practical learning. According to him, empowering young people with digital safety skills will not only build confidence among technology users but also strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a growing digital hub.
The programme will also offer mentorship and internship placements for top-performing participants. Organisers added that this will help bridge the gap between training and employment by giving participants hands-on industry experience. Beyond technical knowledge, the initiative will prepare young people to take on leadership roles in data governance, privacy management, and cybersecurity, which are increasingly in demand across Africa’s digital markets.
This project builds on PalmPay’s wider youth-focused efforts, including the Purple Woman campaign, which supports women in entrepreneurship, and the Passing the Baton CSR programme, which provides opportunities for young people across different communities. Thousands have already benefitted from these initiatives, and the new partnership with the Ministry is expected to reach an even wider audience.
Looking ahead, PalmPay and the Ministry announced plans to expand the training into northern states and scale the initiative nationwide. The long-term goal is to boost digital literacy, close the skills gap in data protection, and prepare Nigeria’s youth for emerging opportunities in the technology-driven economy.
Observers believe that if successfully implemented, the programme could serve as a model for other African countries looking to balance rapid digital growth with strong data protection measures. With Africa’s digital economy projected to grow significantly in the coming decade, initiatives like this could play a major role in ensuring that young people are not only participants but also leaders in shaping a secure and innovative digital future.
