Nigeria has announced a partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to equip Nigerian youth with advanced digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and global exposure. The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, during a 4-day high-level visit to the UAE from July 8-11. It aims to foster innovation, create jobs, and integrate Nigeria’s young population into the global digital economy.

The partnership supports the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), which targets empowering over seven million young Nigerians. Olawande met with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to establish collaborative efforts under NiYA. “Sheraa’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving impact aligns closely with our mission. Together, we can build bridges that help young Nigerians unlock their full potential,” Olawande said.

As part of the partnership, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase from 1–4 September 2025, featuring 300 of the country’s top startups. The event, co-developed with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its Director-General, Dr. Inuwa Abdullahi, is expected to provide global market access and investment opportunities for emerging Nigerian enterprises.

The delegation’s visit also included discussions with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Talks focused on AI education, business process outsourcing (BPO), startup incubation, and remote work—key areas for future youth employment and national digital transformation.

This collaboration comes at a crucial time. Demand for digital skills is rising sharply worldwide. According to a joint report by the World Bank and IFC, by 2030, 35–45% of all jobs in Nigeria will require some level of digital skills, with most of this demand coming from roles outside traditional ICT specialties as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies. Notably, 70% of the demand will be for foundational skills, while 23% will focus on non-ICT intermediate skills, highlighting the urgent need for widespread digital upskilling across sectors.

The UAE partnership underscores the government’s commitment to providing Nigerian youth with the tools, skills, and global networks needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Hikmatu Bilali