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Initiative Aligns with Tinubu’s 3MTT Agenda and National Digital Economy Policy to Tackle Unemployment, Boost Global Competitiveness.
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Nigeria’s premier ICT training institution, and SBTS Group LLC, a global technology solutions provider, have launched a transformative partnership to equip 50,000 Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital skills by 2025, scaling to 5 million by 2030. Announced in February 2024, the collaboration targets Nigeria’s crippling youth unemployment rate (19.7% in Q3 2023) and the $10 billion annual loss from unfilled tech roles due to skills shortages.
RELATED: DBI and SBTS Group to strengthen Nigeria’s digital workforce, advance tech-driven economy
Key Components of the Partnership
- Nationwide Training Hubs: Upgraded facilities at DBI’s Enugu and Kano campuses, with plans for Lagos, Asaba and Yola rollouts.
- BPO Job Creation: Each campus will host Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centers, generating 10,000+ jobs by 2025 for roles like data analysis, customer support, and software development.
- Curriculum Expansion: Over 400 new courses in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital marketing, accredited to global standards.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Seed funding, mentorship, and access to SBTS’s global client network for youth-led tech startups.
Bridging the Skills Gap in Nigeria’s Booming Digital Economy
Nigeria’s digital economy is projected to grow by 15% annually (NBS 2024), yet 4.7 million tech jobs remain unfilled due to inadequate training. This initiative directly addresses critical sectors:
- Financial Services: Fintech firms struggle to hire developers and blockchain experts.
- Healthcare: Demand for health IT specialists surges as hospitals digitize records.
- Entertainment: Nollywood and music industries require digital content creators and animators.
Government Alignment: 3MTT and Digital Economy Vision
The partnership supports the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and the National Digital Economy Policy (2020-2030). Under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy led by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria is focusing on sustainable job creation in the New Economy leveraging public-private collaborations like DBI-SBTS. This is deemed as “vital to the goal of making Nigeria a global tech talent exporter. This is a blueprint for sustainable job creation.”
Leadership Insights
Daser David, President/CEO of DBI:
“We’re not just training coders—we’re building innovators. By integrating vocational apprenticeships and global certifications, we’re preparing youth for remote work with international firms and local tech ecosystems.”
“This initiative bridges opportunity gaps by providing after-school programs in digital literacy and vocational training for underserved youth—empowering them to compete in a tech-driven job market and fueling inclusive economic growth.”
Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS Group:
“Nigeria’s youth are its greatest asset. Through this partnership, we’re democratizing access to Silicon Valley-level training and connecting graduates to employers across a global space.”
Impact Metrics and Future Goals
- Short-Term (2025): Train 50,000 youth, achieve 70% job placement rate.
- Long-Term (2030): Upskill 5 million Nigerians, establish BPO centers, and reduce digital illiteracy by over 70%.
- Economic Boost: Projected $2.5 billion annual revenue from tech exports by 2030.
Why This Matters To Nigeria
- Global Competitiveness: Only 12% of Nigerian graduates possess advanced digital skills (World Bank).
- Youth Empowerment: 65% of Nigeria’s population is under 30, yet 43% lack formal employment.
- Foreign Investment: Google and Meta have pledged $300 million toward Nigeria’s digital upskilling since 2023.
