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DBI-SBTS alliance unveils digital skills revolution. Abuja gets strengthened as BPO hub in Tinubu’s jobs push.
By Nana Theresa Timothy
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS) have formally unveiled their partnership through a media-stakeholders engagement focused on capacity building and job creation. Held Monday in Abuja, the event marked a major milestone in efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide. It brought together industry leaders, key stakeholders, and aspiring tech professionals to explore the DBI-SBTS joint strategy for digital skill development and employment opportunities.
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Designed to deliver transformative upskilling for about 50,000 Nigerian youths with cutting-edge digital skills by 2027, the partnership targets a 40% reduction in the country’s tech talent gap. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, said Mr. David Daser, DBI President/CEO. Both partners aim to position Nigeria as Africa’s premier Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination.
Key Features of the DBI-SBTS Digital Empowerment Program
- Industry-Driven Curriculum: Courses in cybersecurity, AI, software development, and digital marketing co-designed with firms like Microsoft and Google.
- BPO Cluster Expansion: Abuja added to Nigeria’s outsourcing map alongside Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Yola within the partnership portfolio to attract over $500M in foreign investment by 2026.
- Zero-Cost Media Training: Hundreds of journalists to receive free digital literacy modules for tech-savvy reporting.
- Financial Inclusion: Grants and microloans for trainees via SBTS’s dedicated sponsorship.
Bridging Skills Gaps, Boosting GDP
Mr. Daser highlighted the program’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the three-year strategic vision of the Minister of Communications and the Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Mr. David Daser, DBI President/CEO, emphasized urgency.
“With 65% of Nigerian youth underemployed, this partnership isn’t optional—it’s existential. Our BPO expansion alone will create 10,000 jobs by 2026, leveraging Nigeria’s $4.6B outsourcing potential.”
Over the years, DBI has trained thousands of professionals and entrepreneurs, and with this new collaboration, the institute aims to provide practical, high-quality training in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, and business management. The partnership focuses on industry-driven skills development, ensuring that young Nigerians are not just trained but placed in jobs that match their expertise.
SBTS: A Global Perspective on Digital Empowerment
SBTS CEO, Evelyn Lewis, shared his personal journey into the tech world, emphasizing the power of digital education. he recounted how a single investment in a personal computer changed his life and inspired him to train thousands of professionals worldwide.
Evelyn Lewis, SBTS CEO, shared a viral moment.
“Our journey in digital skills training has empowered individuals to transition from low-income jobs to high-paying tech careers. This partnership with DBI will further scale our efforts, ensuring Nigerian youth gain globally competitive skills and job opportunities. One laptop changed my life. Now, we’ll deploy over 20,000 devices to trainees across communities, ensuring no Nigerian is excluded from the digital economy.”
Government Synergy: Aligning with Tinubu’s Vision
The program dovetails with Communications Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) blueprint, targeting a 30% rise in tech contribution to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030.
By the Numbers:
- $18.7B: Current ICT sector contribution to Nigeria’s economy (Q1 2024).
- 1.2M: Annual tech talent deficit in Nigeria (World Bank).
- 70%: Target youth employment rate in tech-driven roles under the initiative.
BPO Growth: Abuja’s Rise as Outsourcing Powerhouse
Abuja’s designation for BPO setup could deepen the cluster of emerging BPOs in Nigeria’s political capital capitalizing on:
- More stable power supported by solar-powered battery tank to bypass grid instability.
- Accent Training including to foster a Multilingual Workforce to serve global markets.
- Strong Institutional Policy and Tax Incentives for BPO startups.
A Call to Action for Media and Stakeholders
Recognizing the role of the media in spreading awareness, DBI announced plans to provide free digital skills training for media professionals. This initiative aims to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge to report effectively on the evolving digital landscape. Part of upskilling for journalists will cover:
- AI Journalism Labs: Tools for data-driven storytelling.
- Cybersecurity Workshops: Protecting press freedom in digital spaces.
A Transformative Step for Nigeria’s Digital Future
With an increasing global demand for tech talent, DBI and SBTS are taking proactive steps to ensure Nigerian youth are equipped to compete on an international level. By combining high-quality training, mentorship, financial support, and job placement services, this partnership is set to redefine digital education and job creation in Nigeria.
As the initiative unfolds, the impact is expected to be far-reaching, providing a pathway for young Nigerians to secure sustainable careers, launch businesses, and drive economic growth in the country.
To ensure transparency and fairness, DBI and SBTS emphasized that the application and selection process for program participants will be open, unbiased, and inclusive.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian who meets the criteria has an equal opportunity to benefit from this initiative. This partnership is about empowering the youth and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy,” Mr. Daser concluded.
Nigeria betting on homegrown tech talent
With Africa’s digital economy projected to hit $712B by 2050, Nigeria’s bet on homegrown tech talent could capture 15% of continental market share, transforming youth unemployment into a strategic export.
