The Federal Government has formalised a major collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at empowering seven million Nigerian youths with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
The agreement was sealed during a high-level visit led by Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, to the UAE, where strategic engagements were held with innovation institutions, including the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa).
“NiYA aims to empower more than seven million young Nigerians with digital literacy, civic leadership, and startup skills. Sheraa’s mission aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” Olawande said.
In talks with the UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, His Excellency Omar Al Olama, both sides discussed expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, remote work, startup support, and business outsourcing—critical areas for Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators—not just consumers—in the global digital economy,” Olawande added.
Over 210,000 young Nigerians have already enrolled in the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).
The program will be extended to all 774 local government areas via Greenhouse Centres, which will serve as training and incubation hubs.
Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase in September 2025, featuring 300 startups.
A GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series is also planned to integrate Nigerian innovations into global circuits, such as GITEX Africa.
This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to anchor youth empowerment within President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through partnerships like the MoU with GITEX, signed in 2024 by NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa and KAOUN International CEO Trixie LohMirmand.
