News

HP Launches 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator To Bridge Global Digital Divide

Published

1 year ago

January 25, 2025

Editor

HP Inc. has announced the launch of the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator, and its call for submissions.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by HP Media Relations which was made available to INFO DAILY.

The program aimed at bridging the global digital divide and build the future of work, focuses on equipping historically disconnected youths and adults with the critical skills needed to participate and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

HP has strategically selected countries to address specific digital equity gaps, including Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain.

According to the statement, applications are open for qualified organizations in the four selected countries, with a deadline of February 12, 2025. Selected nonprofits will receive a grant of $100,000, HP technology worth $100,000, and six months of programmatic support to scale digital equity solutions.

The Digital Equity Accelerator is a joint initiative between HP Inc. and the HP Foundation, aimed at addressing the growing digital divide that limits equal access to educational and economic opportunities. Since its inception in 2022, the Accelerator has helped 27 participating organizations expand their reach by more than 9 million people.

“We believe in harnessing technology to drive positive, lasting change, and we are dedicated to closing the digital divide for youth and adults who have been historically disconnected from digital access,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc., and Director, HP Foundation.

The 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator has evolved to focus on equipping youth and adults with critical skills needed to participate and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

In Nigeria, for instance, despite having Africa’s largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market, only 28% of the population uses the internet, leaving many youth without employment or education opportunities.

The Digital Equity Accelerator is part of HP’s commitment to accelerating digital equity for 150 million people by 2030. Since 2021, HP has reached 45 million people through its digital equity initiatives.

HP’s commitment to digital equity and sustainable impact is reflected in its efforts to bridge the digital divide and support economic inclusion. The Digital Equity Accelerator remains a cornerstone of this effort, investing in nonprofits to scale innovative solutions and create a more connected and inclusive world.

Applicants can apply via this
Registration link: https://digitalequityaccelerator.elwis.cloud/registration

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.