Apply Now: UNDP, Olam Agri to Train 200 Nigerian Youths in Baking, Entrepreneurship
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Olam Agri have partnered to equip 200 young people in Northeast Nigeria with professional baking, entrepreneurship and financial management skills to promote self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, will be implemented in collaboration with the governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. At least 50 per cent of the beneficiaries are expected to be women.
The programme is designed to create economic opportunities for young people and communities affected by conflict and economic hardship by providing practical vocational training and business development knowledge.
Training will take place at Olam Agri’s Crown Flour Baking Academy in Kano, where participants will receive hands-on instruction from professional baking trainers and specialists from the company’s product development team.
What the UNDP and Olam Agri Training Programme Offers
The initiative will be delivered in four batches, with each group undergoing an intensive two-week training programme.
Approximately 70 per cent of the training will focus on practical baking sessions, while the remaining time will be dedicated to classroom instruction and business development.
Participants will receive training in several areas, including:
- Advanced baking techniques and product development.
- Product diversification and innovation.
- Food safety and hygiene.
- Packaging and product presentation.
- Branding and business development.
- Business costing and pricing.
- Marketing and customer acquisition.
- Financial management and entrepreneurship.
In addition to the training, each participant will receive a customised baking starter kit to support the application of newly acquired skills and help improve product quality and consistency.
The starter kits are expected to provide participants with practical tools to explore self-employment, establish small baking businesses or expand existing income-generating activities.
Who Will Benefit from the Programme?
The programme targets 200 young people from communities across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
Women will account for at least half of the selected participants, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs.
The initiative prioritises young people who can benefit from vocational training and business knowledge to develop sustainable livelihoods.
However, the announcement does not provide a public application portal, specific age requirements or a detailed individual selection process.
The involvement of the three state governments is expected to support beneficiary identification and ensure that the programme aligns with local economic recovery and development priorities.
Where Will the Training Take Place?
Selected participants will receive their training at Olam Agri’s Crown Flour Baking Academy in Kano.
The academy has experience in vocational baking and entrepreneurship development through its Crown Flour Angel (CFA) Programme, which forms part of Olam Agri’s broader Baking Brighter Futures initiative.
The training will combine professional instruction with practical experience to help participants understand both the technical and commercial aspects of running a baking business.
Why the Partnership Matters
Northeast Nigeria continues to face economic and livelihood challenges associated with years of conflict, displacement and limited employment opportunities.
By combining UNDP’s recovery and resilience programmes with Olam Agri’s technical expertise and industry infrastructure, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between vocational skills acquisition and sustainable business opportunities.
Participants are expected to leave the programme with practical baking competencies, business management knowledge and starter resources that can help them pursue independent income-generating activities.
The initiative also reflects the Government of Japan’s continued support for economic recovery, community resilience and livelihood restoration in Northeast Nigeria.
UNDP and Olam Agri Explore Wider Partnership
Beyond the initial training programme, UNDP and Olam Agri are exploring a broader strategic partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s food and agricultural value chains.
Potential areas of collaboration include sustainable food and feed production, women and youth enterprise development, innovation, technology transfer, improved market access and investment mobilisation.
The proposed collaboration could create additional opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses operating within Nigeria’s agriculture, food processing and related sectors.
Olam Agri’s wider Baking Brighter Futures initiative also seeks to develop baking skills and promote entrepreneurship across Africa, with a planned investment of US$2 million to support 20,000 bakers and aspiring food entrepreneurs by 2030.
How to Apply for the UNDP and Olam Agri Training Programme
Although the initiative will train 200 young people from Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, UNDP and Olam Agri have not announced a public application portal or detailed application guidelines.
Interested youths should monitor announcements from UNDP Nigeria, Olam Agri and the participating state governments for information about beneficiary selection and registration.
Applicants should avoid unofficial websites or individuals demanding payment to secure a place in the programme.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Programme: UNDP and Olam Agri Youth Skills Development Initiative
Opportunity: Free vocational baking and entrepreneurship training
Number of beneficiaries: 200 youths
Eligible locations: Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States
Women participation: At least 50 per cent
Training venue: Crown Flour Baking Academy, Kano
Duration: Two weeks per batch
Training coverage: Baking, entrepreneurship, food safety, branding, pricing, marketing and financial management
Additional benefit: Customised baking starter kits
Funding partner: Government of Japan
Application status: Public application details have not yet been announced.
