Germany’s Second Phase of Collaboration Project with Nigeria Begins
The German government has approved the second phase of a collaborative project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s chambers of commerce and enhancing youth skills development across the country. This initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, is designed to position the chambers as key drivers of vocational training and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
During a meeting with the executive members of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Kristen Albrecht, Head of Competence Centre Africa for the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce, announced the approval of the second phase. She highlighted that the first phase focused on strengthening the capacities of NACCIMA, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Ogun Chamber of Commerce to better serve their member companies.
Albrecht explained that the LCCI was particularly involved in setting up an innovation hub and a business centre in Ikeja, Lagos. These facilities provide youths with opportunities to enhance their skills and receive support from the chamber.
For the second phase, Albrecht mentioned plans to enlarge the innovation hub and install tech hubs where qualification courses will be held for young Nigerians seeking more skills, especially in information technology. This will help them either stay and work in Nigeria or be prepared to work abroad.
Additionally, the second phase will focus on fostering German-Nigerian economic ties through joint fair participation and a trade fair calendar featuring two trade missions each between Nigeria and Germany. Albrecht also noted the launch of a platform called “The World Meets in Giessen,” where small and medium enterprises will meet annually for a B2B conference to secure partners and investments through AI-facilitated business matching.
Strengthening Economic Ties Through B2B Conferences
Dr. Matthias Leder, CEO of Giessen Chambers of Commerce, emphasized the importance of enriching chambers in Nigeria to position them as key drivers of the country’s economic growth. He highlighted the B2B conference scheduled for June 8 to 10, 2026, in Germany, which will serve as a valuable platform for Nigeria’s SMEs to gain international exposure and attract technology and investment to support their growth.
Leder commended the partnership with NACCIMA in dual vocational training and urged the association to take ownership and deepen the programme nationwide. He stressed the importance of this collaboration in creating sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Expanding Opportunities for Youth Employment
NACCIMA President Engr. Jani Ibrahim shared his perspective on the relationship between NACCIMA and the German Chamber. He stated that their relationship has come a long way and is now being consolidated to offer more opportunities to train young Nigerians in diverse skills. Ibrahim emphasized that this relationship has started well and is now focused on training young Nigerians to make them marketable globally through vocational skills.
He noted that acquiring skills via the dual vocational training programme would enable legal work abroad, reducing the risks associated with illegal migration. Ibrahim also highlighted NACCIMA’s partnership with the Industrial Training Fund to train and facilitate the export of young, skilled Nigerian artisans to international markets as part of its talent development programme.
The Impact of the First Phase
According to PUNCH Online, the first phase of the German Collaboration Project, launched in 2021, formed part of Germany’s broader Skills for Youth Employment Programme. This initiative promotes vocational education, apprenticeships, and business competitiveness in African partner countries. It trained youths in technical skills and strengthened institutional links between the public and private sectors.
The German-Nigerian partnership aligns with Berlin’s commitment to supporting African economies through sustainable job creation, trade facilitation, and private-sector development under its Compact with Africa framework.