Nigeria has partnered with the United Arab Emirates to provide its youth with cutting-edge digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and international exposure. The initiative, revealed by Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande during a four-day official visit to the UAE from July 8 to 11, is designed to promote innovation, boost employment, and connect Nigeria’s young people with the global digital economy.
The collaboration strengthens the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), an initiative aimed at empowering more than seven million Nigerian youths. During his visit, Minister Olawande held talks with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to explore joint efforts under NiYA. “Sheraa’s dedication to fostering talent and creating meaningful impact aligns well with our vision. Together, we can create pathways that enable young Nigerians to reach their full potential,” Olawande stated.
As a key component of the partnership, Nigeria will organize a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase from September 1–4, 2025, spotlighting 300 of the nation’s leading startups. Co-created with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its Director-General, Dr. Inuwa Abdullahi, the event is designed to open doors to global markets and attract investment for Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
The visit also featured strategic talks with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Discussions centered on AI-driven education, business process outsourcing (BPO), startup incubation, and remote work—critical sectors for future youth employment and Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment, as global demand for digital skills accelerates. A joint report by the World Bank and IFC estimates that by 2030, 35–45% of jobs in Nigeria will require some degree of digital proficiency. Interestingly, much of this need will emerge outside core ICT roles, driven by broader business adoption of digital tools. Foundational skills will account for 70% of the demand, while 23% will focus on non-ICT intermediate capabilities—underscoring the urgent need for large-scale digital skill development across all sectors.
The UAE partnership highlights the Nigerian government’s resolve to equip its youth with the skills, resources, and international connections essential for success in the fast-changing digital world.
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