CCHUB rolls out GATEWAY initiative as global gig economy heads toward $1.85trn

Nigeria has opened registration for a new programme designed to connect about 340,000 young people to global gig work, as the country looks to reduce unemployment and take advantage of the fast-growing digital freelance economy.

The initiative, known as the GATEWAY Programme, is a five-year project implemented by Co-creation HUB Ltd (CcHUB). Organisers say it will train participants in digital and creative skills that are in demand in the international gig market, which is projected to grow to about $1.85 trillion by 2032.

The programme aims to move thousands of young Nigerians from unemployment into sustainable income opportunities by helping them secure online freelance jobs and projects.

“The GATEWAY Program represents a crucial, life-changing intervention in Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge,” Ojoma Ochai, managing director of Co-creation HUB Ltd, said, on Monday.

She said the initiative will connect vulnerable young people to high-demand digital skills and direct pathways into the global gig economy.

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According to Ochai, the goal is not only to train participants but also to ensure they successfully transition into paid gig work.

Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in Africa, but many young people struggle to find formal jobs. Technology and remote work platforms are increasingly seen as alternative paths to employment, especially as global demand grows for digital services such as design, marketing and content production.

The GATEWAY programme begins with training in four creative digital fields: digital marketing, video production and editing, graphic design, and user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design. These areas were selected because of their strong demand in international freelance markets.

Organisers said the programme has been structured to reach participants with different levels of experience. It offers two tracks: a Growth Pathway for individuals who already have some digital or creative skills and want to strengthen their portfolios and access job opportunities, and a Foundations Pathway for beginners who need to learn the basics before entering the gig market.

Inclusivity is a key focus of the initiative. The programme aims to increase participation by young women and ensure access for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and displaced youth, groups that often face barriers in Nigeria’s job market.

Analysts said such programmes could play a role in helping Nigeria benefit from the rise of remote digital work, where companies hire talent globally rather than locally. For many young Nigerians, stable internet access and the right digital skills can open doors to income from international clients.

The GATEWAY initiative will be rolled out across 10 states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Delta, Edo and Enugu. This nationwide spread is intended to ensure the programme reaches both major cities and other regions where youth unemployment is high.

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Registration has now opened through the programme’s online portal, where interested applicants can sign up to receive training, build portfolios and connect with gig opportunities.

Organisers say the initiative reflects a broader shift toward flexible digital work as countries look for new ways to create jobs for young people in a changing global economy. If successful, the programme could help position Nigeria as a stronger supplier of digital talent in the international gig marketplace.