Continental Hotels, UNICEF partner to bridge hospitality skills gap

Continental Hotels Group has partnered with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) platform to train and empower young Nigerians for careers in the hospitality and tourism sectors, amid rising demand for skilled manpower in the sector.

The initiative, unveiled by Continental Hotels, operators of Lagos Continental Hotel and Abuja Continental Hotel, seeks to equip young people, particularly women, with industry-relevant skills that will enhance service delivery and strengthen the country’s tourism value chain.

Through this partnership, participants will receive practical training, mentorship, and certification opportunities designed to meet international hospitality standards.

The programme will focus on customer service excellence, hotel operations, sustainable tourism practices, and workplace readiness, creating pathways for young Nigerians to build successful careers in the sector.

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Industry stakeholders have increasingly identified human capital development as one of the critical requirements for sustaining growth in Nigeria’s tourism economy. With domestic tourism on the rise and increased investment in hospitality infrastructure, the demand for skilled manpower continues to grow.

Speaking on the initiative, Karl Hala, group general manager of Continental Hotels, described the partnership as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s hospitality industry.

“We are committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading hospitality hub in Africa. Empowering the next generation, especially young women, is central to our vision.

“Partnering with UNICEF GenU 9JA allows us to create meaningful, sustainable impact by providing structured training and real-world experience in our iconic properties in Nigeria,” Hala said.

Tourism experts noted that improving service standards remains a key factor in attracting visitors and enhancing destination competitiveness.

The collaboration is therefore expected to contribute significantly to the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting the expectations of both domestic and international travellers.

Generation Unlimited Nigeria, launched by UNICEF in 2021 and institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, has impacted more than 11 million young Nigerians through programmes focused on employability, digital access, and livelihood opportunities.

Celine Lafoucriere, chief of UNICEF Lagos Office and lead, GenU 9JA, said the partnership creates real opportunities for young people to secure meaningful careers in one of the country’s most promising service sectors.

“The striking thing about this collaboration is that it is built around real opportunities for real young people. We have seen, time and again, that when employers like Continental Hotels open their doors with genuine commitment, young Nigerians rise to surpass every expectation.

“Young women who might otherwise be left out of this industry will gain the skills, the mentorship, and the confidence to build lasting careers,” Lafoucriere said.

The programme will be delivered through the Continental Hotels Hospitality Academy in partnership with GenU 9JA and other stakeholders. The first phase will commence in Lagos and Abuja, with plans to expand nationwide.

Beyond employment creation, the initiative is expected to support Nigeria’s broader tourism development agenda by raising service standards, promoting inclusive growth, and preparing a new generation of hospitality professionals capable of driving the industry’s future.