In an attempt to foster innovation, enhance job creation, and integrate Nigeria’s youth into the global digital economy. The Nigerian Government has partnered with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and global exposure.
During the visit, the Minister held a pivotal session with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a renowned global hub for youth-led innovation. The discussions centred around collaborative support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a flagship programme designed to equip over seven million Nigerian youths with digital skills, entrepreneurial training, civic leadership, and international exposure.
“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems,” Olawande stated. “Sheraa’s mission aligns with our vision to unlock the potential of our young population.”
In a significant announcement, the Minister revealed a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s leading technology and innovation platforms. As part of the agreement, Nigeria will host the National Digital Innovation Showcase from 1–4 September 2025, under the auspices of GITEX.
The showcase will highlight 300 promising Nigerian startups, offering them international exposure, market access, and support to scale their ventures. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), represented by its Director-General, Dr Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, who accompanied the Minister on the visit.
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Updating on the progress of the NiYA rollout, Olawande disclosed that over 210,000 youths have already been onboarded, with Green House Centres being established in all 774 local government areas to serve as local hubs for training, enterprise development, and technology access.
To extend global opportunities, the Ministry is also developing a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA, aimed at creating a talent pipeline to platforms such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global.
As part of the UAE visit, Olawande also met with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Their discussions focused on AI education, business process outsourcing (BPO), startup incubation, and remote work opportunities sectors crucial to job creation and digital transformation in Nigeria.
“The future belongs to those who innovate,” the Minister remarked. “We are determined to position Nigerian youth as creators not merely consumers in the digital economy.”
The visit affirms the Federal Government’s resolve to build strategic global alliances that will empower Nigerian youth with the necessary tools, platforms, and networks to compete globally.
Other key organisations engaged during the visit include:
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HE Dr Sultan Bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs
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Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI)
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Dubai Cares
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Hub 71 Dubai
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ALEF Education
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Dubai Future Foundation
