Nigeria Seeks to Empower Youth for Success in the Digital Economy

Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications aims to leverage the potential of its youth in the digital economy, emphasizing access to technical training. During the launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, officials highlighted the importance of digital skills for economic growth and the creation of jobs. The partnership with Darey.io aims to enhance training quality with AI-driven learning, supporting the development of a skilled workforce in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government is poised to leverage the potential of its youth to excel in the digital economy, according to Francis Sani, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He emphasized that tapping into the global demand for digital skills could enable Nigeria to thrive in this space. Sani made these remarks during the launch of new tech initiatives, including Darey.io and Xterns.ai, held on Saturday in Lagos, under the theme: “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future.”

Sani stressed the importance of digital skills in the context of economic growth, highlighting how they can open doors to the global outsourcing market. He affirmed that the ministry’s goal is to ensure technical training is accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of financial or geographical constraints. The partnership with Darey.io will incorporate AI-driven, project-based learning to enhance the effectiveness of training programs.

The ministry’s strategy revolves around five key pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade, which are designed to stimulate national development. With Nigeria’s significant youth population, Sani pointed out that this demographic advantage positions the nation favorably in the global digital economy. He noted that the ministry is actively working to create an environment conducive to attracting tech companies and generating employment opportunities for young individuals.

Discussing artificial intelligence, Sani remarked on its potential to transform work practices and create value, urging Nigeria to prepare for these impending changes. Dare Oluwafunmilayo, Founder and CEO of Darey.io, detailed plans for bridging existing gaps in Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development. The tech hub is designed as a collaborative platform where youth can acquire essential digital skills and connect with industry professionals.

Oluwafunmilayo stated, “Our aim is to offer young people a platform to gain skills, network with professionals, and build a pipeline of talent for the digital economy.” He elaborated on the 3MTT initiative, which seeks to train three million technical talents utilizing digital tools for progress tracking and career metrics. In the past four and a half years, over 5,000 individuals have received training, with an additional 100,000 currently enrolled through the 3MTT program. The training provided is free, due to support from 3MTT, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in economic development.

Moreover, Oluwafunmilayo emphasized that while technical skills are crucial, soft skills such as communication and teamwork are also essential for employment success. The tech hub fosters collaboration, with professionals providing training that enhances learning experiences. To further aid youth development, Oluwafunmilayo announced the launch of the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation, designed to partner with various organizations to supply laptops and stipends to talented individuals, promoting economic growth.

Regarding certification, he confirmed that the training will be recognized by notable organizations such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google, in addition to in-house certifications by Darey.io for program participants.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s focus on empowering its youth through digital skills training represents a significant initiative to enhance participation in the global digital economy. With strategic partnerships and an infrastructure designed to promote accessibility to educational resources, the government aims to cultivate a talented workforce that can thrive in emerging technological fields. The collaborative efforts between various stakeholders underscore the importance of holistic approaches to economic growth.

Original Source: gazettengr.com