Jiji, Kenya’s leading online marketplace, has launched a free online business course designed to help young Kenyans turn their ideas into profitable ventures.
The course, titled “Zero to Profit: The Essentials of Business Building,” targets side hustlers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners seeking to grow sustainably in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
The official launch of Jiji Academy took place at Mount Kenya University (MKU), Thika, marking the start of a partnership between Jiji and the university to promote uptake of the course among students and the wider youth community. The collaboration will be coordinated through the Office of the Academic Director.
Available online at no cost, the self-paced course delivers practical, real-world lessons to help learners build, brand, and manage a business from the ground up. It covers every step in the entrepreneurial journey — from identifying a niche to marketing products, ensuring legal compliance, and building customer trust.
According to the 2023 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey, over 1.6 million young Kenyans aged 18–34 are unemployed, with many working in the informal sector without access to structured business training. Additionally, a 2024 GeoPoll survey found that 87% of Kenyan youth aspire to start their own businesses — a clear indication of a growing entrepreneurial spirit and the need for accessible business education.
With over 22 million Kenyans now connected to the internet via mobile devices, Jiji is bridging the knowledge gap through a fully digital, easily accessible learning experience.
Speaking during the launch, Maureen Naliaka, PR & Marketing Manager at Jiji Kenya, said:
“At Jiji, our mission has always been to empower people by creating opportunities — not just through our platform, but through meaningful initiatives that address real challenges.
We see the struggles millions of young Kenyans face in building a stable and fulfilling future. We also see the drive, ambition, and untapped potential in them. What’s often missing is access to the right knowledge — and that’s where Jiji Academy comes in.”
The “Zero to Profit” course offers a comprehensive business toolkit, guiding learners through:
- Selecting profitable niches
- Sourcing reliable suppliers
- Understanding pricing strategies
- Leveraging branding and marketing for growth
- Navigating taxation, fraud prevention, and safe delivery practices
- Building long-term customer retention strategies
Learners who complete the course successfully will receive:
- A Certificate of Knowledge, and
- A Free Boost Package to kickstart their business journey on Jiji.
Emphasizing the broader goal of the initiative, Valeriia, a Jiji spokesperson, added:
“This free educational course is our first step in tackling youth unemployment and helping aspiring entrepreneurs take control of their financial future.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and choose their own path — whether that’s starting a business or simply gaining the confidence to pursue new opportunities.
To every Kenyan feeling stuck or uncertain: Jiji Academy is here to help you move forward.”
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