Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-15 02:32:09
The Federal Government has made a commitment to create an environment that will unlock opportunities in the digital skills market in sub-Saharan Africa, which is estimated to be valued at $130 billion. Dr. Olusola Odusanya, the Director General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), delivered this message at the ongoing 8th Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja. He expressed confidence that the country’s industrial growth and technological advancement are on the horizon.
According to the International Finance Corporation, by 2030, there will be a need for 28 million digital skills jobs in Nigeria and 230 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, within a market valued at $130 billion. Dr. Odusanya announced the launch of the NACETEM Academy at the expo, which will provide training in digital and other essential skills. He emphasized that the academy will serve as an innovation finishing school for both the public and private sectors, highlighting the importance of the digital economy as Nigeria’s new oil.
Dr. Odusanya stressed the urgency for Nigeria to produce individuals with the necessary skills efficiently and intentionally, as there will be a high demand for skilled workers who are prepared for the future of work. He pointed out that out of Nigeria’s 215 million active GSM subscribers, over 25 million youths are in need of enhancing their careers by acquiring new skills to improve their job prospects, career progression, and international competitiveness.
The Tech Advantage initiative was also introduced, which aims to digitalize traditional Igbo apprenticeship schemes and Lagos GSM village knowledge transfer models using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance job creation and reach a wider audience across Nigeria. The NACETEM Academy is developing training opportunities for new generation skippers, second engineers, mariners, and boat builders. They are also merging commercial opportunities with social business strategies to build a skilled workforce capable of tapping into the vast potentials of the marine and blue economy.
NACETEM’s mandate includes technology infusion, training in Science, Technology, and Innovation, policy research, analysis, and briefs, establishment and management of STI databases, and collaboration with other countries on STI development. Dr. Odusanya highlighted the importance of utilizing transformative technologies to focus on specific sectors of the national economy annually. This year, NACETEM is concentrating on the Marine and Blue economy, as well as ICT digital literacy and digital citizenship.
In conclusion, Dr. Odusanya reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth of digital skills in Nigeria and the broader sub-Saharan African region. The NACETEM Academy and Tech Advantage initiatives are positioned to equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy, ensuring that Nigeria’s industrial growth and technological advancement remain inevitable and imminent.
