HP to empower Nigerians, others with digital inclusion program

HP, an American multinational information technology company has said it would empower Nigerian youths and adults in its digital equity accelerator program.

The digital inclusion initiative was also extended to Indonesia, Greece and Spain.

According to a statement by the company, the digital equity accelerator, a joint initiative between HP Inc. and the HP Foundation, helps nonprofit organisations scale innovative approaches to meet digital inclusion needs among youth and adults.

“For the 2025 program, nonprofits in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain, including those using AI to advance impact, are invited to apply. HP will accept applications until 11:59 p.m. EST on February 12, 2025,” the statement read.

Selected nonprofit organisations will receive $100,000 in HP Foundation grants, HP technology ($100,000 value), and six-months of programmatic support to scale digital equity solutions.

“At HP, we believe in harnessing technology to drive positive, lasting change, and we are dedicated to closing the digital divide for youth and adults who have been historically disconnected from digital access so they can succeed in an increasingly competitive digital economy,” said Michele Malejki, global head of Social Impact, HP Inc., and director, HP Foundation.

“As we enter our fourth year of the Digital Equity Accelerator, we are inspired by the progress made so far and are excited to see the innovative, AI-powered solutions that the 2025 cohort will bring forward to address digital equity challenges.”

A $1 trillion-plus digital divide is limiting billions from achieving equal access to educational and economic opportunities. Through the digital equity accelerator, HP aims to create a more equitable world through access to technology, digital literacy & AI, and quality skills content.

Nigeria, despite having Africa’s largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market, only has 28 percent of its population using the internet, leaving many youth without employment or education opportunities.

The accelerator helps organisations strengthen capacity and scale impact for digital equity solutions, particularly among people who are traditionally excluded.