USMAC, Imo State Target Youth Empowerment with Global Founders Program

By: Julian Osamoto

In a transformative push for Nigeria’s digital economy, the United States Market Access Center (USMAC) has launched the New Startup Founders Development Program, designed to equip young Nigerian entrepreneurs with the mindset, tools, and global networks needed to compete on the world stage.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Imo Digital Center, UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, and other global partners, was unveiled at a high-profile media briefing in Abuja.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja, Matt Ifesieh, USMAC’s Africa Representative, said the program would “discover and incubate the next generation of Nigerian innovators,” beginning with a pilot in Imo State, where government support and digital infrastructure are already in place.

“We’re not just teaching youth to build companies. We’re teaching them to build themselves into global leaders,” Ifesieh said.

At the heart of the initiative is The Founder Dojo, an intensive bootcamp offering mentorship, Silicon Valley immersion, technical training, and direct access to global venture capital.

Participants will also receive guidance on startup financing, product-market fit, and emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.

Joining virtually from Silicon Valley, USMAC CEO Dr. Chris Burry emphasized that “founders are made, not born.”

“Nigeria has immense potential, but potential alone doesn’t attract capital. You need grit, mentorship, and demonstrable success. That’s what this program is designed to deliver,” Burry said.

He praised Imo State’s Hope Uzodimma-led administration, citing the Igbo Digital City as a model for sustainable public-private partnership, with fiber-optic connectivity, power infrastructure, and over 60,000 youth already trained.

Pre-launch events are scheduled for August 14 in Lagos and August 20 in Abuja, with participation free of charge.

Selected founders will go through pitch bootcamps, receive mentorship, and compete in a final hackathon for international exposure and funding.

“This isn’t just a tech program,” said Dr. Burry. “It’s a nation-building platform, starting with founders.”

Also speaking, USMAC partner Tom Kolditz added that the program’s model is based on UC Berkeley research, tested across thousands of startups that have collectively raised over $8 billion and generated $42 billion in value globally.