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DBI-SBTS collaboration to equip Nigerian youth with advanced digital skills, boost outsourcing industry, create global job opportunities
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the United States-based SBTS Group LLC to equip Nigerian youth with globally competitive digital skills and create thousands of job opportunities locally and internationally. This initiative, unveiled in a statement by DBI’s Head of Public Affairs, Akin Ogunlade, aims to address Nigeria’s digital skills gap and position the country as a leading player in the global outsourcing market.
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As part of its repositioning strategy, DBI will collaborate with SBTS to implement the Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM), delivering advanced training, infrastructure upgrades, and the establishment of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hubs across its campuses in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, and other states.
Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide
Speaking on the partnership, Daser David, President/CEO of DBI, described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. He said:
“Our partnership with SBTS aligns with our mission to foster digital skills and transform lives. By integrating Nigeria’s youth into the global technological workforce, we are laying the foundation for a thriving digital economy.”
With Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population and its position as Africa’s largest economy, the initiative aims to develop intermediate and advanced technical skills, addressing the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) projection that over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030, creating nearly 650 million training opportunities.
Empowering Nigerian Youth and Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda
The DBI-SBTS collaboration supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing human capital development, job creation, and socio-economic transformation. The initiative will also align with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, designed to position Nigeria as a top exporter of digital talent globally.
According to SBTS Group CEO Evelyn Lewis, the partnership is vital to unlocking the untapped potential of millions of Nigerian youths.
“Africa’s digital skills gap is a barrier to growth. By collaborating with DBI, we aim to close this gap, create jobs, and accelerate technology adoption, boosting productivity across sectors,” Lewis said.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
- Advanced Skills Training
- Thousands of Nigerians will receive training in advanced digital and technical skills across DBI’s campuses.
- A grant scheme will allow trainees to access training in multiple skill-for-work tracks.
- Job Placement Opportunities
- The partnership will create high-value jobs locally and internationally, leveraging SBTS’s global network of over 300 clients across four continents.
- Trainees will gain access to secure job placements, contributing to a sustainable employment pipeline.
- Infrastructure Upgrades
- Renovations have commenced in Enugu and Kano DBI campuses, with plans to extend nationwide.
- State-of-the-art facilities will support cutting-edge training and the establishment of BPO centers.
- BPO and Innovation Hubs
- New BPO hubs will provide outsourcing opportunities, empowering Nigerian businesses to participate in the global digital economy.
- The hubs will also serve as innovation centers, fostering collaboration and technological advancements.
Driving Digital Transformation in Nigeria
The DBI-SBTS collaboration reflects a strategic effort to integrate Nigerian youth into the global technological workforce while addressing the challenges of digital illiteracy and unemployment. By creating a robust framework for digital skills training and job creation, the initiative is expected to:
- Spur innovation and technological adoption across sectors.
- Attract foreign investment in Nigeria’s digital economy.
- Position Nigeria as a regional leader in digital outsourcing.
According to Daser David, the initiative will enhance employability, foster economic growth, and make Nigeria a hub for skilled digital professionals.
“This collaboration is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. By equipping job seekers with digital skills, the initiative enhances their employability and contributes to national development,” he stated.
