The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) is partnering with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) in a pioneering research initiative responding to the Mastercard Foundation’s call for advancing “Youth Futures in Dignified and Fulfilling Work in Africa.”
As part of the Nigerian component of the project, NISER researchers are set to embark on a nationwide field study, covering 20 states across the country. The research will explore how indigenous and informal enterprises contribute to employment creation, skills development, and innovation within local economies.
On August 21, 2025, NISER held a training workshop for the research team selected to conduct the qualitative field survey. The session provided participants with in-depth orientation on the project’s objectives, methodology, and tools for data collection.
The data collection would include:
Focus group discussions (FGDs) with youth engaged in indigenous enterprises;
Key informant interviews (KIIs) with entrepreneurs, policymakers, policy implementers, NGOs, and development partners;
Consultations with financial service providers, industry enablers, universities, and informal sector training associations.
During the training, each instrument was carefully examined, and researchers discussed techniques for effectively engaging respondents in diverse cultural and business contexts. Participants also took part in role-playing exercises designed to simulate field interactions and strengthen interviewing skills. Trainers provided feedback on interviewing approaches, note-taking, and ethical considerations, while highlighting the peculiarities researchers might encounter across Nigeria’s regions.
The training concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, who expressed enthusiasm for contributing to this transformative project. The Youth Futures study promises to provide critical insights that can guide policy reforms, youth employment programmes, and enterprise support mechanisms in Nigeria and across Africa.