By 
The Imo State Government of Nigeria and DIGITAL SME have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a digital skills development initiative aimed at bolstering the state’s digital economy.
According to a statement released on Monday, this partnership aligns with the Africa-European Union Partnership’s digital development goals, seeking to strengthen the digital ecosystems of both regions through freelancing, mentorship, and digital skills training programs.
The freelancing program will connect European companies with digital professionals from Imo State, offering these professionals valuable development opportunities. This initiative is expected to enhance socio-economic conditions in Imo State, with a special focus on empowering the local female workforce.
Dr. Oliver Grün, President of DIGITAL SME, emphasized that the partnership with Imo State will create more opportunities for European digital SMEs, providing them with insights into the tech market dynamics in West Africa and access to local talent.
“Cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone, and this is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts,” Grün stated.
The mentorship program will link European businesses with young people in Imo State, offering guidance on digital careers and the knowledge needed to succeed in both national and international markets. This interaction will also help European businesses understand the challenges faced in Africa and Nigeria, facilitating internationalization opportunities.
Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government in Imo State, remarked, “This collaborative partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance will foster innovation and entrepreneurship while creating new market opportunities for startups and innovators in Imo State.”
Digital skills training is recognized as a means of enhancing the quality of life in Imo State by equipping young people with relevant digital skills that can connect them to new job opportunities in the global digital economy. DIGITAL SME will share best practices on upskilling and reskilling young people interested in the digital sector and, through a “train the trainer” approach, support the creation of a digital skills training hub.
The Imo State government will oversee the dissemination of the knowledge acquired from these exchanges by organizing local training on digital skills. This agreement marks another step by DIGITAL SME in collaborating with international partners to establish a productive dialogue with public and private stakeholders.
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network of ICT small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe.
Comments