Nigeria and UAE Partner to Equip 7 Million Young Nigerians with Digital Skills
In a landmark move aimed at empowering Nigeria’s youth and driving digital transformation, the governments of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a significant partnership to train 7 million young Nigerians in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), brings together Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development and the UAE’s Digital School, under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The programme will be implemented via Nigeria’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), the country’s flagship youth development platform.
Young Nigerians participating in the programme will receive training in digital literacy, AI, entrepreneurship, remote work, and business process outsourcing. They will also gain mentorship and opportunities to connect with innovation hubs in the UAE, giving them exposure to global best practices.
A key highlight of the partnership is the National Digital Innovation Showcase, scheduled for September 2025, which will feature 300 promising Nigerian startups and connect them with international investors and markets. Additionally, Greenhouse Centres are being established across all 774 local government areas to serve as local hubs for skills training and innovation.
Officials from both countries emphasized the long-term vision of the initiative. Nigeria’s Youth Minister described it as a step to transform young Nigerians from mere consumers of technology into creators and innovators. Representatives from the UAE highlighted the partnership as an opportunity to support Nigeria’s youth in becoming competitive in the global digital economy.
This collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment and position the country as a hub for innovation in Africa. If effectively implemented, the programme promises to open doors for millions of young people, enabling them to access global opportunities, launch startups, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
