PalmPay, a leading financial technology company, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to launch a program that will train one million Nigerian youths on digital safety and data protection over the next three years. This initiative, called the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training Programme, was announced at a launch event in Abuja.
According to Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, the goal is to create a “privacy-first generation” that can confidently and securely engage in the digital economy. While Nigeria’s Data Protection Act was passed in 2023, the Minister noted that public awareness and enforcement remain low. This program seeks to address this gap by equipping young Nigerians with the practical knowledge needed to protect themselves and others in the online world.
Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay emphasized that protecting user information is a top priority for the company. He stated that the new program will combine training, mentorship, and practical learning opportunities. By empowering young people with these skills, the initiative aims to build confidence among technology users and strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a secure and growing digital hub.
Beyond the initial training, the program will also offer internships and mentorships to top-performing participants. This will help bridge the gap between education and employment by giving young people hands-on industry experience. Organizers believe that this will prepare a new generation of leaders in data governance, privacy management, and cybersecurity, which are increasingly in demand across Africa.
This partnership is a continuation of PalmPay’s existing youth-focused efforts, which include supporting women in entrepreneurship and providing community-based opportunities. The company and the Ministry plan to expand the training to northern states and scale it nationwide, with the long-term goal of boosting digital literacy and closing the skills gap in the technology sector.
