The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), an arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has teamed up with Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS) in a groundbreaking partnership to train 100,000 Nigerian youth in Business Processing Operations (BPOs). The $200 million initiative, which was unveiled during the Stakeholders Engagement on Partnership for Capacity Building and Job Opportunities in Abuja, aims to position Nigeria as a global leader in the outsourcing industry. The partnership is set to create 100,000 new digital jobs over the next five years, a step that could significantly boost Nigeria’s economic development.
During the event, Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS, highlighted that the initiative is more than just a training program; it is a strategy for economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy. She emphasized the importance of equipping Nigerian youth with relevant skills in today’s digital world, stating, “In today’s digital economy, the ability to adapt and equip people with relevant skills determines not only individual success but also national progress.”
Lewis pointed out the challenge of accessing structured and scalable training programs in Africa and noted that the collaboration between DBI and SBTS aims to fill this gap. The program is designed not just to provide theoretical knowledge but to offer hands-on, industry-driven training that prepares youth for the demands of the global workforce. By aligning training outcomes with employer needs, the initiative ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills to thrive in digital jobs, including those in BPOs, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, and business management.
David Daser, President and CEO of DBI, stated that the partnership aligns with the institute’s mission to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria. He emphasized that the training will empower Nigerian youth to build sustainable careers, launch their own businesses, and transition from job seekers to job creators. This focus on entrepreneurship and job creation is a cornerstone of the initiative, which aims to make digital skills training a key driver of economic growth.
The program also offers mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and business incubation support to ensure a smooth transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these programs aim to provide young Nigerians with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Akin Ogunlade, Head of Public Affairs at DBI, praised the partnership as a reflection of a shared vision for sustainable development through education, training, and skills acquisition. He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector leaders, and the media, to support the initiative and promote digital skills training as a critical element of Nigeria’s national development strategy.
Established in 2004, DBI was created to address the shortage of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s telecom sector. With a mandate to bridge the digital divide in the country, DBI provides cutting-edge training, research, and capacity-building programs in information and communication technology (ICT), ensuring that Nigerian youth are equipped to play a significant role in the digital economy.
