Women in Corporate Consulting Africa (WICA) has launched the Next-Gen Consult Project, an initiative designed to equip young Nigerian and African women with consulting skills, mentorship, professional networks and practical experience to enhance their competitiveness in the corporate sector.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Convener of Next-Gen Consult by Women in Corporate Consulting Africa, Mrs. Nanbilip Kwarkas Chomo, said the initiative was inspired by her personal journey and the need to provide young women with access to guidance, mentorship and career opportunities.
According to Chomo, the project will train, mentor and support participants to become confident consultants, entrepreneurs, employers of labour and transformational leaders.
“We are not just unveiling a project; we are creating opportunities, unlocking potential and building futures,” she said.
She noted that rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence and emerging industries had reshaped the global economy, making skills development and mentorship essential for young professionals.
Chomo said the long-term vision of the initiative was to empower thousands of young women across Africa with consulting skills capable of creating businesses, jobs and sustainable economic growth.
In her welcome remarks, Legal Consultant, Women in Corporate Consulting, Barr. Nnedimma Irene, described the project as the fulfilment of a vision conceived seven years ago to support the next generation of female professionals.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Ojeaburu Arinola Grace, on behalf of the Director, Education and Youth Development, Mr. Despan Kwardem, commended WICA for complementing government’s youth empowerment efforts through mentorship and capacity building under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), Dr. Bulus James, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Africa’s future workforce, stressing the need for agile and innovative consultants to address emerging challenges, including digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
He pledged the institute’s support for the project, noting that investing in young female consultants would strengthen Africa’s leadership and economic development.
Other speakers, including Principal Partner of Juris Mundi Legal Consult, Adnan Mundi, Managing Director of Terraincore Ltd., Dr. Paul Nwigwe, Doowuese Indyer of YouthHubAfrica and Bukola Taiwo of Inclusive Development, called for increased investment in mentorship, internships, funding and leadership opportunities for women.
They urged governments, private organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration in expanding opportunities for young women across Africa.
The organisers said the Next-Gen Consult Project would serve as a platform for nurturing a new generation of female consultants, innovators and business leaders capable of driving sustainable development across the continent.
