The African Development Bank (AfDB) has opened applications for its 2025 Internship Program, offering graduate students and recent graduates across Africa the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workings of one of the continent's leadin…
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has opened applications for its 2025 Internship Program, offering graduate students and recent graduates across Africa the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workings of one of the continent's leading development institutions.
The program, which begins its second session in July 2025, is part of the AfDB's broader Talent Management Framework designed to support its Ten-Year Strategy and High 5s agenda.
Applicants must be nationals of the bank's member countries, currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a master's program, and between the ages of majority and 30. They must also demonstrate fluency in English or French and competence in standard software packages, with SAP knowledge considered a plus.
The internship is open to candidates studying fields relevant to the bank's operations, including agriculture, engineering, finance, economics, sustainability, legal services, human resources, and more. While the program does not guarantee employment, it serves as a gateway for potential future recruitment.
The application deadline is May 31, 2025. Interested candidates must submit a complete online application and a detailed CV. Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has signed a strategic agreement aimed at accelerating the growth and expansion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria and the African continent. The part…
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has signed a strategic agreement aimed at accelerating the growth and expansion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria and the African continent.
The partnership will offer MSMEs access to business-friendly loans, market linkages, and essential capacity-building resources. Highlighting the importance of this initiative, stakeholders emphasized that the move represents a significant step toward empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive and evolving business environment.
Speaking during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, stakeholders underscored the pivotal role MSMEs play in national development, employment generation, and economic diversification. The new agreement will support enterprises with financial literacy training, market access initiatives, and rewards for high-performing businesses.
Charles Odii, Director General of SMEDAN, stated that the collaboration is focused on nurturing local businesses and positioning micro enterprises to evolve into multinational players. He also expressed confidence that the partnership will fuel entrepreneurship, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria's position in the broader African market.
The initiative is expected to create scalable, sustainable growth opportunities for MSMEs, reinforcing SMEDAN's commitment to reviving and expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As of May 1, 2025, a total of 4,638,431 Nigerian youths have registered for the Federal Government's Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)—a strategic national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promot…
As of May 1, 2025, a total of 4,638,431 Nigerian youths have registered for the Federal Government's Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)—a strategic national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promoting peace through economic empowerment.
The Ministry overseeing the programme announced the figures in a statement on Monday, noting that the registration portal remains open until May 31, 2025.
"We are encouraged by the overwhelming response from Nigerian youths across the country. The numbers so far reflect growing trust in the government's empowerment agenda," the statement read.
Supporting Youths, Reducing Crime
YEIDEP was launched to provide young Nigerians—particularly in underserved and high-risk communities—with vocational training, business support, mentorship, and access to funding. The programme targets individuals aged 18 to 35 and is free of charge.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to address youth restiveness, reduce crime, and boost local entrepreneurship through sustainable means.
"With the ongoing rise in youth unemployment and economic challenges, YEIDEP offers a lifeline that aligns empowerment with peacebuilding and national development," the Ministry added.
Read also
Programme Benefits
According to the Ministry, applicants stand to benefit in the following ways:
Skill acquisition in key vocational and entrepreneurial sectors
Participation in a structured mentorship programme
Government support for small business development
Access to financial assistance or startup funding
YEIDEP 2025 Activity Schedule
The Ministry also released a timeline for post-registration activities:
Activity
Date
Application Deadline
May 31, 2025
Collation of Beneficiary Accounts
June 1 – June 8, 2025
Engagement with Ministry Officials
June 11 – June 30, 2025
Funds Disbursement (Batch A)
July 1 – July 31, 2025
Following registration, selected candidates will be contacted to provide their account details, attend engagement sessions, and prepare for disbursement activities.
Final Call to Action
The Ministry is urging qualified individuals who have not yet registered to do so before the May 31 deadline. Officials reiterated that late applications will not be accepted after the portal closes.
With over 4.6 million applicants already enrolled, YEIDEP is being positioned as one of the largest youth-focused economic empowerment programmes in Nigeria's history.
Interested applicants can visit the official YEIDEP registration portal to apply and join the thousands of young Nigerians taking their future into their own hands.
