The International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030, generating nearly 650 million training opportunities. In response, Nigeria is accelerating efforts to close its digital skills gap and expand job opportunities for its youth.
To drive this transformation, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has partnered with U.S.-based SBTS Group LLC to equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital skills for global competitiveness. The collaboration aims to address Nigeria’s digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and foster job creation. Leveraging SBTS Group’s Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) and DBI’s expertise as Nigeria’s premier ICT training institute, the initiative will provide advanced digital training, infrastructure upgrades, and establish Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hubs across DBI campuses. These efforts will empower millions of Nigerians with globally competitive skills and enhance the country’s participation in the digital economy.
The partnership will focus on training thousands of Nigerians in advanced digital and technical skills, securing local and international job placements, and building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals. It will also establish BPO hubs and tech resource centers in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, and other DBI campuses to provide a world-class campus-learning experience.
DBI President/CEO Daser David emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing human capital development, job creation, and socio-economic growth. He highlighted its alignment with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative spearheaded by Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of digital talent.
“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,” said David. SBTS Group CEO Evelyn Lewis stressed the importance of this initiative in propelling Nigeria into the global digital space. “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,” he stated.
With its fast-growing youth population, Nigeria is poised to lead Africa’s digital transformation. Many of the new job opportunities will require intermediate and advanced technical skills beyond basic digital literacy. The DBI-SBTS collaboration directly tackles these challenges by creating a sustainable framework for skill development.
Renovations and upgrades at DBI campuses have already commenced, starting with Enugu and Kano, with plans to expand nationwide. These improvements will establish state-of-the-art facilities for delivering cutting-edge training programs. The initiative will also implement the ICBM framework, enabling DBI to offer advanced digital skills training, support BPO centers, and create an ecosystem for innovation and growth.
“This collaboration is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy,” said David. “By equipping job seekers with digital skills, the initiative enhances employability, attracts investments, and positions Nigeria as a global hub for skilled digital professionals.”
