MAI Foundation and Mastercard Launch The Imu Ọrụ Upskilling Project in Abia State
In what has been termed a groundbreaking move to combat youth unemployment and encourage economic independence, the MAI Foundation for Women Empowerment and Advocacy, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially launched the Imu Ọrụ Upskilling Project in Abia State, Nigeria. This one-year initiative, which began on October 1, 2025, is expected to equip 120 youths with practical, market-ready skills in high-demand trades.
What is the Imu Ọrụ Upskilling Project?
“I mu Ọrụ” is Igbo for “learning a trade,” and that is well and truly the purpose of this project. The program targeted youths in Aba, a commercial hub of Nigeria long famous for its artisanal expertise, training them in three key areas of vocational learning:
- Carpentry
- Tailoring
- Shoemaking
But it doesn’t stop at technical skills: participants receive comprehensive training in soft skills, business development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship that equips them to successfully start and sustain their own enterprises.
According to Project Manager Amanda Obidike,
Imu Oru Upskilling Project is much more than just vocational training; it’s designed to reinforce local economies, resilient communities, gender equality, and socio-economic empowerment.
She adds that the partnership reflects the shared commitment to bridging skills gaps and driving inclusive growth.
About the Partners
The MAI Foundation for Women Empowerment and Advocacy is a faith-based Nigerian NGO that empowers women, youths, and underserved communities through vocational training, entrepreneurship, leadership development, mentoring, and family values. Their work aligns with the creation of self-reliant leaders contributing positively to society.
One of the largest philanthropic organizations in Africa, the Mastercard Foundation works to enable young people to have dignified work through its Young Africa Works strategy; in Nigeria, this means focusing on building entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting initiatives such as Imu Ọrụ.
Technical partner STEMi Makers of Africa offers in-depth expertise and experience in TVET and ensures a high standard of delivery.
Aba is famous for made-in-Nigeria goods, yet many young people are without formal training to thrive in these trades. By focusing on carpentry, tailoring, and shoemaking, the project taps into some acknowledged local strengths while attempting to address unemployment, one of the country’s serious problems.
The initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Recent onboarding sessions are filled with excited participants ready to change their futures.
