Nigeria has more than a handful of artisans who contribute to the wealth and gain of the country through their crafts. Despite their conspicuous role in nation-building, artisans in Nigeria struggle every day with the challenge of connecting with the right clients or getting fair enumeration, compensation for their labour, or being replaced by a foreign artisan. A KMPGH1 2023 report says that Nigeria has been relying heavily on foreign artisans especially in the construction sector - from masonry and iron bending to electrical work and carpentry, among others. A surprising fact states that Nigeria needs approximately 1.5 million artisans yearly, hence they're resorting to imports to fill this staggering deficit. This dependence on foreign labor extracts a hefty toll on the nation's economy, with an estimated $4.5 billion annually flowing out of the country. The gravity of the situation is underscored by a looming unemployment rate, projected to reach a disconcerting 41 percent, KPMG's H1 2023 report says. Aside from the import of skilled artisans into the country, the problem of artisans gets even worse by the day as digital innovations and platforms gradually replace traditional marketplace. They also struggle to find good markets because they mostly deal with middlemen. These middlemen don't pay them much, and the craftsmen find it tough to get loans from banks. Many craftsmen don't even know about the internet and miss out on selling their products online. The hardships faced by these artisans are glaring. The lack of adequate training, poor infrastructure, a dearth of financial resources, and an inability to tap into the wealth digital space provides have left them grappling for survival. The ongoing trend has led to the abandoning of traditional crafts due to financial difficulties, also, the gap between artisans and potential clients, especially in urban areas, remains wide, impeding the growth and visibility of these skilled individuals.
This program is a timely response to the many challenges faced by artisans in Nigeria. It’s a 2-week pilot program that aims to address SDG Goal 1 - No Poverty. This program is deeply rooted in the urgent need to bridge the gap between skilled artisans and close the burgeoning unemployment rate, projected to reach a distressing 41 percent in the artisanal industry. The program focuses on providing comprehensive training, exposure, and digital tools to enhance the online presence of artisans and, in turn, expose them to better-paying opportunities. Rooted in the urgent need to bridge the gap between skilled artisans and prosperity, this program endeavors to reshape the destiny of artisans in Nigeria. It is a life-changing program that will teach skilled artisans important skills like using the internet, optimizing their profile for visibility, building an online presence, keeping records, communication skills, negotiation, and doing business in the modern world. In short, this program is like a friend to craftsmen, it's not just a program; it's a way to bring back the charm of traditional crafts in the digital age. Through this training, at least 1000 Nigerian skilled artisans will learn how to sell their crafts internationally and be connected to a special online place (E-commerce platform), where their crafts are better priced and appreciated.
We designed SWEAT THE HAND, EARN GOOD PAY to be both timely and smart, by adopting innovative strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by artisans in Nigeria. This program will be implemented using skill enhancement, digital tools integration, and entrepreneurial training. We believe that through this program, we can create a sustainable ecosystem where artisans can flourish, contribute to the economy, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.