It is central to the continent’s future, serving as the most powerful engine to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and enhance global competitiveness in this era.

It expands access to opportunity beyond geography for Africa’s population, improves productivity across sectors, strengthens public service delivery, and enables countries to leapfrog legacy constraints rather than replicate them.

In effect, the digital economy is no longer a standalone sector, it is the foundation upon which Africa’s economic resilience, regional integration, and sustained prosperity will be built.

However, fully realising these gains depends not only on private-sector innovation, but critically on the effectiveness and efficiency of the public systems that underpin economic activity.

The analog bottleneck in a digital economy

Across Africa, core economic and administrative processes, from business registration and tax administration to land transactions and licensing, are mediated through government systems.

Yet in many countries, these systems remain manual, paper-based, or only partially digitised, with new technologies layered onto legacy workflows that have not fundamentally evolved.

The result is that digitisation, absent deeper institutional reform, risks reinforcing the very inefficiencies it seeks to resolve.

Fragmented platforms, inconsistent data standards, and limited interoperability across agencies introduce friction across the economy, slowing business activity, increasing transaction costs, and undermining trust in public institutions.

This underscores a central reality: digital government is fundamentally a governance challenge, not a technology one. Progress depends on strong institutional capacity, anchored in change management, cybersecurity, sound platform architecture, and sustained public sector ownership.

Where this foundation is constrained, digital programmes often produce ineffective outcomes: systems misaligned with current realities, dependency on fragmented solutions, and platforms that fail to endure beyond initial implementation.

Unlocking potential through digitization

Nigeria has demonstrated strong potential to emerge as a leading digital economy on the continent, underpinned by over 154 million internet users and a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

It has been reported that Artificial Intelligence alone is projected to deliver up to $136 billion in productivity gains across four major African markets by 2030, with Nigeria accounting for approximately 43 percent of this value.

This trajectory is reinforced by a resilient startup ecosystem that continues to attract significant capital, securing $410 million in 2024, representing 18.6 percent of Africa’s total funding, and exceeding $555 million in 2025, most significantly in fintech and digital service delivery.

Sustaining this momentum depends on the strength of public‑sector infrastructure. Nigeria has taken a decisive step forward with the introduction of the National Digital Economy and E‑Governance Bill, 2024, establishing the foundation for a more coherent and future‑ready digital ecosystem.

This legislation seeks to establish a unified legal and institutional framework for digital transformation, institutionalisation of electronic administrative processes, enhanced interoperability across government institutions, while establishing a secure foundation for public-sector data governance.

By embedding digital‑first operations into public administration, these reforms position government as an enabler of economic activity, reducing friction, strengthening transparency, and creating a more efficient, investment‑ready environment in which businesses can innovate and scale.

Global best practice demonstrates possibility

International experience shows that well‑governed public sector digitisation delivers measurable economic and institutional gains.

Estonia offers a leading example, having transformed public administration through the end‑to‑end digitalisation and automation of core government processes.

By building an integrated digital infrastructure, Estonia has created a more responsive public sector, improved citizen satisfaction, and strengthened trust in state institutions.

Today, the country saves an estimated 2 percent of GDP annually through digital signatures and streamlined public services, while integrating artificial intelligence to further enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

India has similarly developed one of the world’s most advanced digital public infrastructures. The country’s information technology sector already contributes approximately 13 percent to the GDP, with projections for the digital economy reaching 20 percent by 2030. Through its Digital Public Infrastructure and India AI Mission, the country is scaling innovation by providing affordable AI compute capacity to entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses at significantly reduced costs.

These examples underscore a clear lesson: digital public infrastructure must be built as a platform for long‑term transformation.

Success depends on sustained investment in people, institutions, and governance frameworks, not just technology systems.

This ensures that digitisation simplifies the relationship between citizens and the state rather than replicating legacy inefficiencies in digital form.

Public-Private partnerships enable the shift to e‑governance

The E‑Governance Bill establishes the policy foundation for a digitally enabled Nigeria, underpinned by execution partnerships that bring together technology, capability and global best practice.

Microsoft is advancing this transition through targeted investments in skills and building institutional capacity.

Initiatives such as Digital Skills Nigeria, the 3MTT programme, and strategic engagements with the Ministry for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, have been instrumental to the success of reaching over 6 million Nigerians with critical digital and AI skills and certifying over 150k to date.

Beyond skills, Microsoft is advancing the adoption of secure, scalable cloud infrastructure and interoperable digital platforms that underpin next-generation e-government systems. Through Microsoft Azure and its suite of AI-powered services, governments and startups are enabled to unlock the full value of data, driving more agile, inclusive, and citizen-centric public service delivery.

This is complemented by enterprise-grade security capabilities and a principled approach to Responsible AI, grounded in transparency, accountability, and governance frameworks that help build trust, strengthen resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of digital public services.

Ultimately, public sector digitisation is not a technology challenge alone; it is a leadership, governance and capability imperative enabled by technology.

Embedding digital‑first principles across public administration reduces economic friction, expands inclusion and positions Nigeria as a regional leader in Africa’s digital transformation journey.

Nigeria, home to over 200 million people and one of the youngest populations in the world, has a focus point for technology companies looking to build artificial intelligence skills.

AI is projected to contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy over the next decade, pushing governments and technology firms to invest more in digital skills and workforce training.

Experts say Nigeria has the talent base to become a commendable AI hub if skills development keeps pace with the rapid adoption of technology across sectors such as finance, telecommunications and public services.

TeKnowledge believes there are opportunities, but only if training programmes move beyond awareness and start producing job-ready talent.

The company helped deliver the first phase of Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative in Nigeria last year. That programme introduced more than 50,000 Nigerians to foundational and intermediate AI skills, while over 3,000 participants completed advanced training and earned Microsoft AI certifications.

About 1,700 of those certified trainees were developers drawn from 40 technology companies already working within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Many went on to build working tools during a developer hackathon organised under the programme. The teams produced nine applied AI solutions designed for financial services, including systems for document verification, fraud detection and automated risk analysis.

A career fair held alongside the training connected participants with employers and technology partners. Some secured roles during the event, while others entered job placement pathways with companies looking to expand their AI capabilities.

The next phase aims to expand the pipeline.

TeKnowledge and Microsoft say the AI programme will now focus heavily on students, developers, entrepreneurs and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), one of Nigeria’s largest graduate mobilisation platforms.

Universities are also an important part of the rollout, with physical engagements planned at institutions including the University of Lagos, Lagos State University and Covenant University, where undergraduates will work on applied AI projects.

The initiative also aligns with national capacity building efforts such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, part of the federal government’s plan to expand Nigeria’s digital workforce.

Olugbolahan Olusanya, territory director for Africa at TeKnowledge, said the Microsoft programme is moving from broad AI awareness to deeper alignment.

“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital journey. AI is no longer a future concept, it is a present opportunity. This next phase is about scale, depth, and measurable impact. We are committing to directly train 10,000 participants in Phase 2, with deliberate focus on youth, women, developers, and decision makers who will drive AI adoption across sectors. 

“The Career Fair ensures this initiative goes beyond training, creating direct pathways from learning to livelihood. We are not simply delivering programmes; we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in an AI-powered global economy.”

The training will combine online learning with hands-on projects and in-person workshops. Cybersecurity awareness and responsible AI use will also be included in the curriculum, reiterating data protection as organisations deploy AI systems.

For Microsoft, the initiative aligns with its goal to expand digital skills across Africa. The company has already trained millions of Nigerians in different technology programmes over the past five years, with AI now becoming the central focus of its workforce strategy.

Olatomiwa Williams, chief growth and AI officer for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, said Africa has the chance to move from technology consumption to innovation.

“Africa has an incredible opportunity to become not only a participant, but a builder and co-creator in the global AI economy, but much of this promise depends on building the right skills for this exciting new era. Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative plays a critical role in enabling Nigeria’s national digital skilling efforts. 

“Already we have seen wonderful innovation and globally relevant local solutions coming from the talent here in Nigeria. By deepening AI skills and diffusing AI adoption throughout the economy, Nigeria and the African continent stand to benefit.”

TeKnowledge has operated in Nigeria since 2018 and now employs more than 2,000 engineers and technology specialists in the country, supporting global customers from its Lagos hub and delivering services to organisations in more than 90 countries.

Aileen Allkins, the company’s chief executive and president, said the countries that invest early in AI will set the pace for the next phase of economic competition.

“Around the world, nations that invest in AI literacy and responsible adoption today will define tomorrow’s economic leadership. Nigeria has the talent, the ambition, and the entrepreneurial energy to lead in Africa’s AI transformation.

“Our focus is to combine global expertise with strong local execution, ensuring AI skills are accessible, inclusive, and impactful at scale.”

In Nigeria, AI will definitely transform industries, and the process has already begun with TeKnowledge, Microsoft and many other innovators.

At the heart of the conference, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, was a clear message: Nigeria is ready to shape the future of digital governance through innovation, research, and collaboration.

A Renewed Digital Vision

Guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic reform, infrastructure development, good governance, and digital inclusion, Nigeria used the ICEGOV 2025 platform to reaffirm its commitment to driving a people-centered digital economy.

Leading this charge were Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Together, they echoed a unified vision: technology must not only fuel economic growth but also build trust, transparency, and efficiency in governance.

Setting the Global Digital Governance Agenda

Co-chaired by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General, alongside Dr. Tijani, the 18th edition of ICEGOV, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion”, brought together experts from academia, government, and industry to explore how technology can improve public service and social inclusion.

Prof. Marwala, in his keynote, called for the responsible and inclusive development of artificial intelligence (AI), stressing that AI must serve humanity, not divide it.

“Artificial intelligence is shaping many areas of our lives, but it must be designed so that it does not leave anyone behind. AI will remain suboptimal until it works equally for all people, including Africans,” he said.

He urged leaders to democratize AI by ensuring that citizens have not only access to the technology but also a collective voice in deciding its use, a call that resonated strongly with Nigeria’s digital inclusion agenda.

Tijani: Innovation Must Serve Humanity

In his keynote address, Dr. Bosun Tijani described Nigeria as standing at the intersection of innovation, youth, and digital transformation.

“The state of a society reflects the ideas that dominate it. When good ideas strike, nations prosper; when bad ideas prevail, nations decay,” he said.

He introduced a thought-provoking model, the Source Balance Ratio, explaining how diverse ideas from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector must align to create effective digital policies.

Dr. Tijani emphasized that technology should always be guided by ethics and research rather than politics or profit.

“If our ideas are driven solely by short-term gains, we end up with regulations that react to innovation rather than guide it,” he cautioned.

NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Skills and Public Infrastructure

Echoing the Minister’s vision, Kashifu Inuwa described ICEGOV 2025 as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey to becoming a digital governance powerhouse.

He highlighted several ongoing initiatives under the Ministry’s strategic roadmap, Accelerating the Nation’s Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency, built on five pillars: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Trade, and Innovation.

Among the achievements he cited:

• National Digital Literacy Framework: to equip every Nigerian with digital skills from early education to adulthood.
• Collaboration with the Ministry of Education: to integrate digital literacy into school curricula by next year.
• 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme: training Nigerians in high-demand digital skills.
• Civil Service Digital Training Initiative: with over 24,000 public servants already enrolled.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): development of a national data exchange platform and a Centre of Excellence for DPI to promote trust, transparency, and interoperability in governance.

“Digital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about improving how we serve citizens. Governance must meet people where they are, online,” Inuwa remarked.

Collaborating for Africa’s Digital Future

The conference drew a distinguished lineup of dignitaries, including Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education; Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (represented by Mrs. Fatima S.T. Mahmood); Senator Shuaibu Afolabi Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity; and Stanley Adedeji, chairman, House Committee on ICT.

They commended the Federal Government’s leadership in advancing digital governance, AI ethics, and innovation ecosystems, noting that sustained progress will depend on multilateral collaboration, institutional capacity-building, and stronger digital public infrastructure.

Nigeria’s Leadership on the Global Stage

As ICEGOV 2025 concluded, one message rang clear: Nigeria’s digital reform agenda is not a local ambition, it’s a continental mission.

With its growing investment in digital literacy, AI policy frameworks, and public sector innovation, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of electronic governance in Africa.

In the words of Dr. Tijani:

“Digital technologies are no longer just economic tools; they reshape our societies and our citizenship. Our responsibility is to ensure that innovation is guided by ethics, inclusivity, and the public interest.”

The target, he said, is within reach through the Federal Government’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic rollout and the world’s largest coordinated digital skills programme, both designed to enable expansion of the sector, among other initiatives.

Addressing innovators, investors, policymakers, and global partners, Tijani framed Lagos as Africa’s innovation epicentre, noting the city attracts about 2,000 new residents daily, hosts the continent’s largest number of tech hubs, and has birthed at least six unicorns. 

Beyond technology, he highlighted Nigeria’s $15 billion creative economy, powered by Nollywood and Afrobeats, as proof of the country’s unique fusion of culture and innovation shaping global markets.

“The digital economy is not just about apps and platforms. It is about efficiency and productivity that transform agriculture, education, manufacturing, and governance,” Tijani said.

At GITEX NIGERIA, the minister outlined ongoing initiatives, including the Project Bridge fibre pipeline to connect every Nigerian state, local government, and ward, and the 3MTT programme, which is preparing young Nigerians for global jobs. 

He also confirmed a new round of funding for 75 academic research projects, to be announced on 1 October, alongside efforts such as the AI Collective and a forthcoming National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill designed to build trust, security, and accountability.

Tijani called on startups, corporates, academia, the diaspora, and international partners to boost the transformation. “Government investment builds the foundation, but the opportunity and responsibility lie with all of us,” he said.

“Nigeria is not only keeping pace with the digital future, we are shaping it.”

In fact, not all technologies are equal. Some are single-purpose technologies, such as lawn mowers or smoke detectors, designed to excel at one specific task.

Others are general-purpose technologies (GPTs) like electricity and the internet, with the power to redefine entire economies.

These GPTs aren’t just tools; they’re game-changers. They revolutionise every sector they touch, acting as catalysts for widespread innovation and growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is largely regarded as the general-purpose technology of our time, predicted to transcend any other technological breakthrough that’s gone before.

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) predicts that the technology could contribute more than $15 trillion to the global economy in 2030, which, as it points out, is comparable to the current outputs of China and India combined.

In recent years, there has been a surge of excitement and determination to harness AI for both social and economic development. And for good reason.

The possibilities are immense: Lagos, for instance, has emerged as a leading tech hub, boasting rapid growth in venture capital, startups, and value creation.

In fact, according to the Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index, Lagos is fast establishing itself as a prominent force on the world stage of technological innovation.

It’s well recognised that Nigeria is already producing AI innovation. The focus now must be on making the technology widely accessible across the country. Economists note that true economic growth comes from not just leading in GPT innovation but also adopting essential GPTs across the economy.

And so, the question is – how do we build an AI economy in Nigeria?  History has shown that it requires a holistic approach to several interconnected policy priorities, two of which I’ll discuss below.

Cultivating a strong AI ecosystem

In Nigeria, mobile internet has spurred trailblazing enterprises like Jumia and Flutterwave, revolutionising business models and unlocking immense growth potential.

AI promises to amplify this impact, creating ‘flywheel’ effects that will propel organisations into new realms of innovation and opportunity at an unprecedented pace.

Given the transformative potential of AI, it is crucial to establish a robust foundation for its growth and integration.

AI is developed on a tech stack similar to a building structure, starting from the bedrock of infrastructure like power and chips, and extending to the innovative applications that businesses and consumers use daily. To nurture a vibrant AI ecosystem, it’s essential to begin with the infrastructure tier that forms the backbone of any advanced technological progress.

Just as electricity relies on power plants, AI depends on datacentres and robust infrastructure. Recognising this need, companies such as Microsoft have proactively invested in critical components such as Africa’s first datacentres as well as Edge Nodes in Nigeria.

These investments deliver faster networks and improved access to cloud services for local businesses, strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and paving the way for widespread AI adoption.

Despite this, African countries such as Nigeria are still considered ‘waking up’ or ‘nascent’ in AI investment, according to Oxford Insight’s Global AI Index.

Indeed, AI capabilities are doubling every six months, requiring constant investment to maintain cutting-edge infrastructure.

It’s for this reason; we can expect to see ongoing strategic investments from organisations across both the public and private sectors to expand advanced infrastructure in strategic locations on the continent. Industry leaders will increasingly be required to combine forces to drive the scale of impact needed, partnering to develop entire digital ecosystems, built on investment in state-of-the-art datacentres.

Collaborations such as these are crucial, especially at the platform layer, where data is transformed into sophisticated models through extensive training. The aim is to enable individuals to use this technology and drive innovation at the application layer, fostering progress and opportunity across the continent.

Developing an AI-ready workforce

One of the key lessons from history is that skilling plays a crucial role in adopting GPTs.  It’s clear that organisations across any economy can’t effectively embrace new technology without a workforce that knows how to use it.

Nigeria has a unique role to play in creating this pool of skilled young people to power the advancement of AI, not just in the local economy, but in the global economy too.

In fact, it’s estimated that by 2030, 42 percent of the global youth population will be African, with Nigeria being a significant contributor to this growth.

While Sub-Saharan Africa currently holds the lowest ranking on the 2024 AI Readiness Index, the region is steadily advancing in AI development.

Notably, the 3MTT programme, launched by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is nurturing a new wave of technical talent in pursuit of two million digital jobs by year’s end. By early 2024, an impressive four million Nigerians had already interacted with the platform, signalling strong momentum toward a digitally empowered workforce.

Initiatives such as these all share a crucial element, strong public-private partnerships. Governments alone can’t bridge the skills gap, so the private sector, especially tech companies, must contribute significantly.

Already, major players in the tech space are prioritising national skilling initiatives, alongside support for local government skilling initiatives, with the aim of equipping as many people across the country as possible with essential AI skills.

The belief is that by working together, we can create widespread and sustainable impact, particularly when it comes to addressing systemic challenges to skills development, such as bridging the gap between learning and employment, and reaching underserved areas of the continent. And it’s not just partnerships between government and major corporations that will lead the way.

Key partnerships with organisations like the Wootlab Foundation have been instrumental in launching targeted AI programmes that equip participants with the skills needed for success in the digital economy.

These initiatives are laying a strong foundation for the ongoing expansion and future growth of Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.

Enabling the shift from consumers to producers of AI

History has shown that if a technology is to change every part of the economy, the country that benefits the most will be the one that successfully diffuses it across all sectors. This was evident with electricity in the United States, where widespread adoption spurred significant GDP growth.

By focusing on diffusing AI throughout the country, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to change the course of history.

We can become not just consumers of AI, but also producers of the technology for the rest of the world. In successfully developing a thriving AI economy, we can drive economic growth, foster innovation, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global AI landscape.

Fintech Revival Gains Traction

After recalibrating its strategy earlier this year, MoMo PSB entered H1 2025 with sharp intent, and the numbers speak volumes.

Active wallets rose to 2.7 million, bolstered by the addition of over 562,000 new customers in Q2 alone.

This renewed momentum comes as MTN Nigeria doubled down on its commitment to drive inclusive digital finance for underserved communities.

A standout figure: customer deposits surged nearly fivefold between December 2024 and June 2025, reflecting rising trust in MoMo’s secure, accessible services and an expanding user base of high-value customers.

Expanding Partnerships, Enriching Ecosystems

Leveraging a strengthened partner network, MoMo PSB focused on attracting premium users and enhancing deposit performance.

This ecosystem-driven approach has unlocked new opportunities for integrated services, improved wallet functionality, and deeper engagement in Nigeria’s digital payment landscape.

“MoMo’s resurgence is not just about growth, it’s about strategic refinement and ecosystem empowerment,” said Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria. “We’re building a fintech platform that’s resilient, user-centric, and transformative for millions.”

MoMo at the Heart of Digital Inclusion

As MTN Nigeria channels investment into infrastructure and innovation, MoMo PSB stands as a pillar of financial inclusion. The company’s role in expanding access to digital financial services aligns tightly with MTN’s broader vision of empowering Nigerian communities through technology.

Through initiatives like the ₦3 billion commitment to the 3MTT Programme and the launch of a ₦100 million startup accelerator, MoMo PSB is actively helping bridge gaps in access, opportunity, and entrepreneurship.

These efforts are creating real value, not just for customers, but for the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Looking Forward: Stability Meets Scalability

With macroeconomic headwinds easing and digital adoption rising, MoMo PSB is positioned to scale further in H2 2025. As MTN Nigeria shifts to optimize capex and enhance free cash flow, the fintech segment is expected to play a critical role in sustained profitability and service innovation.

MoMo PSB’s strategic renaissance is more than a comeback, it’s a signal of resilience, readiness, and relevance in an increasingly digital Nigeria.

“Our target is to build more than 1,600 across the country.

“We want every community, every Nigerian to be part of this national prosperity and inclusivity when it comes to digital economy,” he said.

Inuwa noted that President Bola Tinubu, on assumption of office, made it clear that economic diversification and inclusivity are paramount to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the President outlined seven key priority areas to achieve that vision, with number seven specifically focusing on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative art, manufacturing, and innovation.

According to him, this was why NITDA is establishing ICT centres to build a digitally inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen, regardless of societal or social status, gender, and affiliation, has access to digital infrastructure and skills.

“The President wants to drive that inclusivity by directing us to design, conceptualize, and build these kinds of centers in underserved and unserved communities, so that people from remote areas, unserved communities, have access to the latest technology,” he added.

Also speaking at the IT Centre commissioning, Dr Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said the Community Centre is a strategic extension of the government’s national mission to bridge between the Federal Government’s digital economy policies and the unmatched energy, ingenuity, and innovation that Lagos represents.

Speaking through Johnson Bareyei, the director, e-government at the Ministry, the Minister said the Centre aligns with the goals of the President’s agenda, which is to decentralise opportunity, expand access to digital skills, and make innovation part of the everyday experience of Nigerians, no matter where they live or work.

While noting that the Centre is also a reflection of one of the Ministry’s core missions: to bring technology and innovation closer to the people, Tijani said the Community Centre will serve as a hub for: Digital skills development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme; and Support for startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs who are building globally competitive solutions; Regulatory guidance and advisory for safe, inclusive innovation.

He also mentioned that they are working towards improved collaboration with local institutions, private sector actors, and communities that will shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to him, the government is also developing the National Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill, which is a robust legislative framework that will help guide Nigerians’ everyday engagement online.

Meanwhile, the people of Akesan community in Lagos expressed their delight over the IT centre and promised to put the facility to good use.

Announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, this expansion targets the development of Nigeria’s technical workforce, ensuring the nation becomes a huge source of tech talent.

Dr Tijani shared the announcement via social media platform X, encouraging both new and returning participants to engage with the learning resources available. 

Those already in the programme can access their training dashboards for foundational courses and assessments, while applications remain open to new entrants via the website.

The 3MTT programme has been structured in multiple phases to methodically scale Nigeria’s tech talent pool. Cohort 1, launched in the programme’s early phase, trained 30,000 individuals, followed by the second cohort in March, which enrolled 270,000 participants. 

The addition of 90,000 fellows to 3MTT cohort 3 kicks off further progress towards the goal of training three million Nigerians in marketable tech skills.

Reflecting on the success of previous cohorts, Tijani noted that many first-cohort participants have already gained placements as interns nationwide. 

Beyond on-the-job experience, these fellows are actively participating in hackathons, enabling them to apply their skills to real-world projects and showcase their abilities in building practical tech solutions.

The 3MTT initiative aligns closely with the government’s Renewed Hope agenda, which seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and establish the country as a competitive exporter of tech talent. 

Participants are trained in a wide range of in-demand skills designed to boost productivity in roles that leverage digital tools, including Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms, SEO, CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design, and UX/UI Design, among others.

The programme’s structure and curriculum were developed collaboratively, incorporating insights from government agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners. 

Through this support, the 3MTT initiative is providing individuals with the necessary skills and ensuring a solid talent pipeline that contributes to Nigeria’s economic transformation and competitive edge in the global tech industry.