The MacArthur Foundation has unveiled Nigeria Next, a bold new programme designed to empower Nigeria’s youth through digital inclusion, creativity, innovation, civic participation, and evidence-based policymaking. The announcement, published on the Foundation’s website on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, positions young Nigerians at the centre of social and economic transformation.
From 2016 to 2024, the MacArthur Foundation had funded the On Nigeria Project, which emphasised transparency and accountability in governance. That project sought to strengthen democratic institutions and curb corruption, laying the groundwork for today’s youth-focused strategy.
With Nigeria Next, the Foundation is turning its attention to the country’s “youth bulge”—60 per cent of the population is under 30, and 42 per cent is under 15. Despite this demographic advantage, only seven per cent of young Nigerians currently possess the digital skills needed to thrive in the global economy.
The Foundation’s statement underscores the urgency: “Young Nigerians have the opportunity to reimagine their country’s future. They are launching new organisations and businesses and building power through their activism on a wide variety of issues that impact daily life—from slowing climate change and improving access to clean energy, to promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability, and to preventing sexual and gender-based violence.”
Key Focus Areas of Nigeria Next
Digital Inclusion: Expanding access to technology and AI knowledge, ethics, and skills.
Creativity and Innovation: Supporting hubs, incubators, and workspaces where new ideas can flourish.
Civic Participation: Strengthening journalism, media, and civic spaces to amplify youth voices and counter digital authoritarianism.
Research and Policy Analysis: Backing evidence-based government policies that prioritise youth empowerment.
The programme will be delivered through grants, impact investments, and thought leadership, in partnership with MacArthur’s Technology in the Public Interest and Journalism and Media programs, as well as other philanthropic organisations.