The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) is proud to be a co-partner with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (Ghana) in a pioneering research initiative responding to the Mastercard Foundation’s call for advancing “Youth Futures in Dignified and Fulfilling Work in Africa.” This project focuses on the critical role of indigenous enterprises within the informal economy, with a special emphasis on youth employment across four diverse African countries: Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Senegal.
In Nigeria, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, the informal sector is a vital engine of economic activity and job creation, accounting for a significant share of employment and national GDP. Yet, young people—especially young women, marginalized groups, and those in rural or underserved communities—continue to face barriers to accessing dignified and sustainable livelihoods. Through this collaborative research, NISER seeks to deepen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian youth in indigenous enterprises such as textiles, agro-based industries, cosmetics, and crafts.
By leveraging NISER’s longstanding expertise in social and economic research, and working alongside leading institutions in the region, this project aims to generate actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and communities. Our goal is to inform strategies that empower young Nigerians to thrive as entrepreneurs and contributors to the nation’s economic and social development, while also strengthening the ecosystem for indigenous enterprises in the informal economy.