Nigeria sets sights on training 10,000 tech pros by 2030 🇳🇬🚀

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Nigeria is ramping up efforts to grow its local tech talent base. A new partnership between ISACA, the global association of IT professionals, and INGRYD Academy, a Nigeria-based training and talent outsourcing provider, aims to train 10,000 digital professionals by 2030.

An ambitious bet on youth 🎓

The agreement, signed on August 18, 2025, is part of Nigeria’s national digital skills strategy. Each year, roughly 2,000 students will enroll in a comprehensive program combining foundational courses, industry-recognized certifications, mentorship from experts, and automatic ISACA membership.

The curriculum is focused on high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, IT auditing, and emerging technologies. The aim: to equip young Nigerians with skills that are immediately relevant and marketable.

Tackling youth unemployment head-on 💼

According to the World Bank, more than 40% of Nigeria’s working-age population is under 25. Yet youth unemployment in some regions tops 35%. This initiative is designed to address that gap and help young graduates find a path into the labor market.

By investing in local talent, Nigeria hopes to reduce its reliance on foreign expertise. Multinationals and local companies alike stand to benefit from a new pool of skilled professionals ready to fill critical roles.

A digital economy on the rise 🌐

Nigeria’s digital economy is among the most dynamic in Africa. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, it contributed around 7 trillion naira (roughly $4.5 billion) to the country’s GDP. Still, a shortage of qualified workers remains a drag on startups and established tech firms.

The ISACA–INGRYD initiative complements other large-scale projects, such as the government’s 3 Million Tech Talents program, which aims to train three million Nigerians by 2027. Together, these programs highlight Nigeria’s ambition to position itself as a continental digital powerhouse.

Success will hinge on execution ✅

The real impact of this effort will depend on both the quality of training and the ability to create meaningful career opportunities afterward. Experiences from South Africa and Kenya show that post-training support and strong private-sector partnerships are essential if skills are to translate into sustainable jobs.

For Nigeria, close collaboration between government, universities, and businesses will be key. If those conditions are met, the country could emerge as a regional tech hub, attracting fresh investment and fueling long-term growth in its digital sector.

👉🏾 Do you think training 10,000 new tech professionals will be enough to reshape Nigeria’s digital economy by 2030? Share your thoughts in the comments ☺️