MacArthur launches Nigeria Next to empower youth
The MacArthur Foundation has launched Nigeria Next, a new initiative building on its 2016-2024 'On Nigeria' project. Focused on digital inclusion, innovation, economic opportunity, civic participation, and government policy, the programme will use grants, impact investments, and thought leadership to address barriers to digital tools and amplify young voices. Director Kole Shettima emphasized harnessing youth creativity to drive national progress, noting Nigeria's 60% population under 30. The initiative prioritizes collaboration with tech, journalism, and other philanthropic partners while commissioning research and conducting consultations across Nigeria's hinterland and coastal cities.