The Traffic

Nigeria Teams Up with U.S. Firm to Empower Youth with Digital Skills for Global Success

By Achimi muktar

In a bold move to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and equip its youth for the demands of the global economy, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has partnered with SBTS Group LLC, a U.S.-based firm, to deliver cutting-edge digital skills training.

A Game-Changing Collaboration

Announced by Akin Ogunlade, DBI’s Head of Public Affairs, this partnership leverages SBTS Group’s Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) alongside DBI’s role as Nigeria’s premier ICT capacity-building institution. The initiative promises to create thousands of job opportunities both locally and internationally, providing a much-needed boost to Nigeria’s digital workforce.

“This partnership will provide training, infrastructure upgrades, and establish Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hubs across DBI campuses, empowering millions of Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills,” Ogunlade explained.

Closing Africa’s Digital Skills Gap

The collaboration is backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which predicts that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, creating nearly 650 million training opportunities.

Ogunlade highlighted the urgency of the initiative:

“This partnership reflects the importance of bridging Africa’s digital skills gap and meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the global market.”

Transforming DBI Campuses

The program includes infrastructure upgrades, with renovations already underway at DBI campuses in Enugu and Kano, setting the stage for a nationwide rollout. These state-of-the-art facilities will host advanced training programs designed to produce a sustainable pipeline of skilled digital professionals.

“The renovations mark the beginning of a transformative journey, starting with Enugu and Kano and extending nationwide,” Ogunlade noted.

Enhancing Nigeria’s Global Presence

The initiative also supports the creation of Business Process Outsourcing hubs, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global outsourcing market.

Mr. Daser David, President of DBI, emphasized the partnership’s broader impact:

“Our collaboration 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.”

A Digital Revolution Underway

This partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious vision for digital transformation. In 2024, Tinubu launched initiatives to enhance digital literacy and technical skills across Nigeria, including:

The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program: Aiming to train three million youths in digital and essential skills, fueling innovation and job creation.

Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI): Focused on training 40,000 Nigerians in ICT and digital skills to prepare a workforce for a technology-driven future.

By partnering with SBTS Group, DBI is not only empowering Nigerian youths but also positioning the country as a hub for skilled digital professionals ready to compete on a global stage.

This initiative represents a critical step toward driving innovation, fostering investments, and transforming Nigeria into a global leader in the digital economy.