Nigeria is set to thrive in the global digital economy by harnessing its youth population and the increasing demand for digital skills, says Francis Sani, Technical Adviser (Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Capital) to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani.
Sani made this statement at the launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, alongside their new tech hub, during an event themed “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future”, held in Yaba, Lagos on Saturday evening.
Unlocking Economic Growth Through Digital Skills
Speaking on the critical role of digital skills, Sani emphasized that equipping Nigerians with technical expertise will enable the country to tap into the global outsourcing market, driving economic growth and job creation.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of financial or geographical barriers, has access to quality technical training,” he stated.
As Programme Director at the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Nigeria initiative, Sani highlighted the partnership with Darey.io as a step toward providing AI-driven, project-based learning to enhance training quality and effectiveness.
He outlined the ministry’s five-pillar approach to fostering a thriving digital economy:
- Knowledge – Expanding access to digital education.
- Policy – Creating favorable regulations for tech growth.
- Infrastructure – Improving connectivity and digital tools.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Supporting startups and tech hubs.
- Trade – Attracting global investments in Nigeria’s tech sector.
Positioning Nigeria for the AI Revolution
Sani also stressed the transformational impact of AI on work and value creation, urging Nigeria to proactively adapt to these changes by nurturing a tech-savvy workforce.
Bridging the Digital Gap: Darey.io’s Vision
Founder and CEO of Darey.io, Dare Oluwafunmilayo, discussed his company’s mission to close skill gaps in Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development.
“Our aim is to offer young people a platform to gain in-demand skills, network with industry professionals, and create a talent pipeline for the digital economy,” he stated.
Through the 3MTT programme, Darey.io has already trained over 5,000 individuals in four and a half years, with 100,000 more currently enrolled.
Thanks to government support, the education provided through Darey.io and 3MTT remains free, reinforcing the importance of public-private collaboration in driving economic growth.
More Than Just Tech Skills: The Need for Soft Skills
Oluwafunmilayo stressed that while technical expertise is crucial, it alone does not guarantee employment.
“Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally vital for success in today’s digital economy,” he noted.
To further empower youth, he announced the launch of the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation, which will provide:
- Laptops and stipends to support talented individuals.
- Certifications from Microsoft, AWS, Google, and in-house Darey.io credentials.
He concluded by highlighting that the tech hub will serve as a center for collaboration and innovation, with industry professionals delivering hands-on training to enhance learning experiences.
The Future of Nigeria’s Digital Economy
With strategic government initiatives, private-sector partnerships, and a youth-driven approach, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a key player in the global digital economy.
Through investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure, the country is not just preparing its youth for the future of work—it is actively shaping it.
