Nigeria Aims to Leverage Youth Potential for Digital Economy Growth
Nigeria is set to harness the potential of its youth in the digital economy, focusing on enhancing digital skills through partnerships and programs, as highlighted by Technical Adviser Francis Sani. The Ministry aims to ensure accessible training for all citizens to spur economic growth and global participation.
In a statement from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Technical Adviser Francis Sani emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to excel in the digital economy by leveraging its young population and the growing global need for digital skills. At the launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, he highlighted this initiative as a means to promote economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s position in the global outsourcing market.
Mr. Sani outlined that the ministry’s vision is to ensure universal access to technical training for all Nigerians, irrespective of their financial status or geographical situation. The partnership with Darey.io aims to provide AI-driven, project-based learning, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of training programs available in the country.
He detailed five foundational pillars guiding the ministry’s strategy: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as essential components for promoting national development. Additionally, he stressed the importance of Nigeria’s significant youth demographic as a key asset in the global digital landscape and emphasized the ministry’s efforts to attract tech companies, thereby creating job opportunities for young citizens.
Dare Oluwafunmilayo, the Founder and CEO of Darey.io, expressed the organization’s commitment to bridging gaps in Nigeria’s digital economy through partnerships and infrastructure development. He highlighted the tech hub’s goal of providing a collaborative environment for young individuals to acquire essential digital skills and build professional networks.
Furthermore, Mr. Olufunmilayo noted the ambitious aim of training three million individuals through the 3MTT initiative, with over 5,000 trained so far and an additional 100,000 currently enrolled. This education is provided free of charge thanks to the support of 3MTT, showcasing the significance of public-private partnerships for fostering economic advancement.
He emphasized the necessity of soft skills in conjunction with technical expertise, stating that effective communication and teamwork are vital for securing employment. The hub also promotes innovation and collaboration by engaging professionals to enhance training experiences.
To empower youth further, Mr. Olufunmilayo announced the establishment of the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation, which plans to collaborate with various organizations to provide necessary resources such as laptops and stipends for talented individuals. In terms of certification, training programs will be recognized by renowned platforms including Microsoft, AWS, and Google, as well as issuing in-house certifications from Darey.io.
In conclusion, Nigeria is actively positioning itself to harness the potential of its youth for economic growth within the digital economy. The Ministry of Communications, alongside partnerships like Darey.io, is dedicated to facilitating access to technical training and creating a supportive environment for developing relevant skills. Emphasizing both soft and technical skills, these initiatives aim to empower young people and prepare them for successful careers in the evolving digital landscape.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
