The Ignite the Gig Economy (IGE) program is a transformative initiative by Odav’s Empowerment for Progress Foundation (OEPF) that empowers Nigeria’s youth and women to thrive in the rapidly growing gig economy. By providing training, resources, and access to digital platforms, IGE equips participants with the skills and tools needed to secure flexible, income-generating opportunities in areas such as freelancing, e-commerce, and tech-driven services. With a focus on digital inclusion and workforce immersion, IGE is fostering economic independence and building a resilient, future-ready workforce that contributes to Nigeria’s human capital development.

Purpose

IGE is designed to harness the potential of the gig economy to create sustainable livelihoods for underserved populations, particularly youth and women. Its primary objectives are:

  • Economic Empowerment: Enable participants to generate income through gig-based work, such as freelance tech services, content creation, and online marketplaces.

  • Digital Inclusion: Provide access to digital tools, platforms, and skills to ensure participants can compete in the global gig economy.

  • Workforce Immersion: Prepare youth and women for immediate entry into flexible work opportunities through practical training and mentorship.

  • Entrepreneurial Growth: Support participants in scaling gig-based ventures into sustainable micro-businesses, fostering long-term economic stability.

By connecting participants to the gig economy, IGE aligns with OEPF’s mission to drive inclusive empowerment and sustainable development, offering a pathway to financial independence and social progress.

Key Components

IGE delivers a comprehensive, practical, and inclusive program through a blend of online and in-person training, tailored to the needs of Nigeria’s gig economy. The key components include:

  • Gig Economy Skills Training:
    Participants are trained in high-demand skills for gig work, including digital marketing, graphic design, content creation, virtual assistance, and basic coding for freelance tech projects. Training is delivered through intensive bootcamps and online modules, ensuring accessibility for rural and urban participants.

  • Platform Onboarding and Digital Literacy:
    The program introduces participants to gig platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and local e-commerce marketplaces, guiding them through account setup, profile optimization, and client engagement. Digital literacy modules cover online safety, payment systems, and effective use of digital tools like mobile apps and cloud-based software.

  • Mentorship and Community Support:
    Participants are paired with mentors who are experienced gig workers or industry professionals, providing guidance on securing gigs, managing clients, and scaling opportunities. Peer-to-peer community networks foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among participants.

  • Access to Tools and Resources:
    IGE provides access to essential resources, such as subsidized internet data, shared workspaces in tech hubs, and low-cost devices (e.g., refurbished laptops or tablets). Partnerships with financial institutions offer microloans or grants to help participants invest in their gig ventures.

Impact Goal

Our ambitious goal is to empower 20,000 youth and women with gig economy opportunities within three years, with a focus on achieving significant gender parity. Through IGE, we aim to:

  • Enable participants to earn sustainable incomes through gig work, reducing unemployment and underemployment.

  • Increase digital inclusion by equipping participants with the skills and tools to access global and local gig platforms.

  • Foster entrepreneurship by supporting participants to transition from gig work to micro-businesses, such as digital agencies or e-commerce stores.

  • Contribute to Nigeria’s human capital development by building a skilled, flexible workforce for the digital economy.

Alignment with Broader Agendas

IGE is strategically aligned with national and global development frameworks, ensuring its relevance and scalability:

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

    • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Promotes flexible, income-generating opportunities through gig work.

    • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Enhances digital inclusion for underserved groups, particularly women and youth.

    • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Provides accessible skills training for economic participation.

  • AU Agenda 2063 Goals:

    • Goal 2 (Well-Educated Citizens): Supports skills development for youth and women.

    • Goal 6 (People-Driven Development): Empowers individuals to drive their own economic progress.

  • Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda: Supports youth employment, enterprise development, and the digital economy by preparing participants for flexible, tech-driven opportunities. The program complements OEPF’s Ready4Life initiative by extending workforce immersion into the gig economy, aligning with the vision of economic independence and social progress.

Why Igniting the Gig Economy Matters

Nigeria’s youth and women face significant barriers to traditional employment, including limited job opportunities, geographic constraints, and gender disparities. The gig economy offers a powerful solution, providing flexible, accessible, and scalable income opportunities through digital platforms. However, many lack the skills, tools, or knowledge to participate. IGE addresses these challenges by offering tailored training, platform access, and ongoing support, enabling participants to tap into global and local markets.

The program is particularly impactful for women, who often balance caregiving with economic responsibilities. By offering flexible work options, IGE empowers women to earn income without sacrificing family duties, promoting gender equity and financial inclusion. For youth, IGE provides a pathway to immediate income and long-term entrepreneurial growth, reducing reliance on scarce formal jobs. By fostering a gig-ready workforce, IGE strengthens Nigeria’s digital economy and positions the country as a hub for tech-driven innovation in Africa.

Success Stories

  • Tolu’s Triumph: Tolu, a 24-year-old undergraduate, joined IGE and learned digital marketing. After completing the program, she started offering social media management services on Fiverr, earning enough to support her education and family.

  • Community Impact: A group of women in a rural tech hub, trained through IGE, launched an e-commerce store selling handmade crafts, generating income for 15 households and reinvesting profits into their community.

Note: These are illustrative examples based on typical program outcomes. OEPF can replace them with real beneficiary stories as the program progresses.

Get Involved

Igniting the Gig Economy is a movement to unlock Nigeria’s potential in the digital age, and we invite you to be part of it:

  • Fund a Gig Journey: Your donation can provide training, internet access, or tools for a youth or woman, enabling them to earn a sustainable income.

  • Partner with Us: Collaborate as a tech platform, financial institution, or mentor to scale our impact.

  • Join the Program: If you’re a youth or woman interested in gig work, apply to IGE to start your journey in the digital economy.

Call to Action: Help us empower 20,000 youth and women by 2028. Donate today, contact us to explore partnership opportunities, or apply to join Igniting the Gig Economy and ignite your future.