DBI and SBTS Launch Digital Skills Initiative to Empower 5 Million Nigerian Youth by 2030
A game-changing public-private partnership is taking aim at Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis—aligning with President Tinubu’s 3MTT Agenda and the National Digital Economy Policy.
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and global tech firm SBTS Group LLC have joined forces to launch a bold digital upskilling program that will equip 50,000 Nigerian youth with future-ready skills by 2025, scaling to 5 million by 2030. Announced in February 2024, this initiative directly tackles Nigeria’s alarming 19.7% youth unemployment rate (Q3 2023) and a $10 billion annual loss from unfilled tech jobs due to talent shortages.
A Strategic Blueprint for Job Creation
🔹 Nationwide Training Hubs
DBI’s Enugu and Kano campuses have been upgraded into state-of-the-art training centers, with upcoming facilities planned for Lagos, Asaba, and Yola.
🔹 BPO Job Opportunities
Each campus will feature a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) center, aiming to create 10,000+ new jobs by 2025 in roles such as customer support, data analysis, and software development.
🔹 Industry-Driven Curriculum
The initiative introduces over 400 new globally accredited courses covering AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital marketing.
🔹 Support for Youth Entrepreneurs
Young innovators will gain access to seed funding, mentorship, and SBTS’s global client network—accelerating tech-driven startups in Nigeria.
Closing Nigeria’s Tech Skills Gap
Nigeria’s digital economy is booming—projected to grow 15% annually, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2024). Yet an estimated 4.7 million tech roles remain unfilled. This initiative focuses on bridging that gap in sectors like:
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Fintech: Developers and blockchain experts are in short supply.
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Healthcare: Hospitals need IT professionals to manage digital health systems.
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Entertainment: Nollywood and music industries are calling for skilled digital creators.
Aligned with National Priorities
The program supports the goals of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative and the National Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030) under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani. The partnership is seen as a model for sustainable job creation through strategic public-private collaboration.
“This is a blueprint for sustainable job creation,” said a Ministry representative. “It’s vital to making Nigeria a global exporter of tech talent.”
Voices of Impact
Daser David, President/CEO of DBI:
“We’re not just training coders—we’re building innovators. Our programs blend global certification with vocational training to prepare youth for international remote work and local growth.”
“We’re empowering underserved youth with digital literacy and career-ready skills through after-school programs—fueling inclusive economic growth.”
Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS Group:
“Nigeria’s youth are its greatest asset. We’re democratizing access to world-class tech training and opening doors to global opportunities.”
Projected Impact
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By 2025: Train 50,000 youth, with a 70% job placement rate.
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By 2030: Upskill 5 million Nigerians and reduce digital illiteracy by over 70%.
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Economic Impact: Projected $2.5 billion in annual revenue from tech exports.
Why This Matters
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Only 12% of Nigerian graduates have advanced digital skills (World Bank).
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65% of Nigerians are under 30, yet 43% are unemployed or underemployed.
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Global tech giants like Google and Meta have pledged $300 million to support Nigeria’s digital upskilling since 2023.
This initiative represents more than a training program—it’s a national movement to transform Nigeria into a global hub for digital talent.