A report published in March 2019, by Simona Varrella, on the statistica.com platform puts the unemployment rate in Nigeria around 35 percent, with the research subject being between 15-64years old. With this number being on an exponential rise, we identified an essential need for the young people in our programmes to acquire employable skills, and more importantly, be matched to opportunities and organizations where their skills are mostly required.

In response, SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria through The Next Economy programme, partnered with Kaneng Rwang Pam (KRP) Group (KRP Communications Ltd and sister organization KRP FEMA) to float a Job Fair in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Job Fair was one in a series of job placement programmes and activities with the objective of getting The Next Economy beneficiaries’ internships and/or jobs. The Next Economy Programme empowers youths in Nigeria to unleash their talents, build their confidence and skills needed for a successful career or an entrepreneur. The program is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and seeks to afford young people in Nigeria the much-needed capacity-building trainings, support, and mentorship that allows them to succeed in life, gain decent jobs and build sustainable and viable businesses and startups.

At the Job Fair which was held on Tuesday 30th, November 2021, 38 corporate organizations from over 7 sectors seeking full and part time staff registered to attend the Abuja Job Fair while 17 organizations were invited. More than 90% of the employing organizations came from different parts of the FCT. The fair featured two forums – Employers Forum and Employment and Stakeholders Collaboration Forum. It also featured interactions and exchanges between job seekers and potential employers.

By the end of the Job Fair, there was a strengthened collaboration among internship providers and employers in line with The Next Economy framework. There was also an increase in internship opportunities and job placements for TNE Youths. 98% of participants found the Job Fair quite useful and will be happy to attend the next one. Most of the TNE participants got to interact with 3-4 organizations as 18 corporate organizations at the fair offered 80 full time jobs.