• ISACA and INGRYD Academy launch program to train 10,000 Nigerians in tech by 2030
• Each year 2,000 students will get training, ISACA certifications, membership and mentorship
• Initiative aims to cut youth unemployment and close Nigeria’s digital skills gap

Global professional association ISACA and pan-African tech training institute INGRYD Academy announced on Monday, August 18, a strategic partnership to train 10,000 technology professionals in Nigeria by 2030.

Under the program, 2,000 students will be enrolled each year in a package that includes foundational courses, ISACA certifications, a one-year membership, and mentorship through the association’s worldwide chapters. Training will focus on cybersecurity, IT audit, and emerging technologies.

The goal is to improve job prospects for young Nigerians by equipping them with skills that match labor market demand. According to the World Bank, more than 40% of Nigeria’s workforce in 2024 was under the age of 25, with youth unemployment exceeding 35% in some regions. By strengthening local expertise in cybersecurity and digital technologies, the program is expected to open access to skilled jobs, reduce dependence on foreign talent, and foster innovation in both local and multinational firms operating in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s digital economy is among the fastest growing in Africa, contributing about 7,000 billion nairas ($4.56 billion) to GDP in the first quarter of 2025, according to official data. However, a shortage of skilled workers continues to hold back the growth of start-ups and the tech industry. The five-year partnership supports Nigeria’s national digital training strategy and builds on initiatives such as the 3 Million Tech Talents (3MTT) program, which aims to train three million Nigerians by 2027.

The impact of the project will depend on maintaining training quality and creating real job opportunities. Experiences from similar initiatives in South Africa and Kenya highlight that post-training support and strong ties with the private sector are critical to turning new skills into stable employment. Authorities, schools, and businesses are urged to work together to maximize results, expand digital inclusion, and position Nigeria as a continental technology hub.