Kano, Nigeria – Smartphones have become an essential part of modern life, connecting people to information, markets, and opportunities. But when these devices break down, repairs often become costly, unreliable, or simply inaccessible. A new training program in Kano is changing that.
Through the AHAHKAZ Health and Empowerment Initiative in partnership with Engausa Tech Hub, young people are being trained in smartphone hardware and software repairs, as part of a five-week specialized course under the broader skills acquisition program.
For individual participants, the benefits are immediate. With basic electronics knowledge and hands-on repair skills, a youth can set up a repair shop or offer mobile services with minimal startup capital. Unlike many professions, phone repair is a skill that translates directly into daily income opportunities.
Facilitators emphasized during the orientation that Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest smartphone markets, with millions of users relying on their devices for business, education, and communication. “Every broken phone is an opportunity for a technician,” one trainer noted.
The community benefits are equally striking. Affordable local repair services reduce the burden on families who would otherwise spend heavily to replace broken devices. By repairing rather than discarding, the initiative also helps tackle electronic waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Over time, Kano could see a cluster of trained phone repair technicians, each running small businesses, employing others, and strengthening the local economy. Communities would no longer have to depend on unqualified roadside fixes or expensive city centers for reliable repairs.
Beyond economics, the training instills self-confidence and problem-solving abilities in youths. It tells them that their hands and skills are enough to build a future. For many, this is the first step into entrepreneurship and financial independence.
As technology becomes even more central to Nigerian life, the demand for skilled repair services will only grow. Training Kano’s youth to meet this demand is both timely and strategic. Indeed, this initiative is not just about fixing gadgets it is about fixing futures.