The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered a transformative partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at equipping seven million Nigerian youths with essential digital, entrepreneurial, and innovation skills to thrive in the global economy.

This milestone agreement emerged during a high-powered visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who led a delegation to the UAE to solidify international cooperation under the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) framework.

UAE Visit Anchors Youth Innovation Blueprint

During the UAE visit, the Nigerian delegation met with key innovation drivers, including the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa)—a top regional startup hub. The meeting laid the groundwork for a collaborative push to boost digital literacy, civic leadership, and startup incubation among Nigerian youths.

“NiYA aims to empower more than seven million young Nigerians with future-ready skills. Sheraa’s mission perfectly aligns with our goal of unlocking entrepreneurial potential at scale,” Olawande noted.

High-Level Talks on AI and Remote Work

The Nigerian team also held talks with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE’s Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. The discussions explored Nigeria-UAE collaboration on:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) education

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) opportunities

• Remote work strategy development

• Startup and innovation incubation programs

“Our goal is to position Nigerian youth not as passive consumers, but as global creators and innovators,” said Olawande. “The future belongs to those who innovate.”

National Implementation Through Greenhouse Centres

Back in Nigeria, the NiYA initiative is gaining traction. Over 210,000 Nigerian youths have already enrolled in the program, and the government is expanding the initiative by establishing Greenhouse Centres across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

These centres will serve as community-based hubs for digital skills training, entrepreneurship coaching, and innovation-driven development, ensuring even rural youth are not left behind in the digital transformation.

Nigeria to Host GITEX Digital Innovation Showcase in 2025

In a major boost for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, the country is set to host the first-ever GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase in September 2025, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The event will spotlight 300 of Nigeria’s top emerging startups, providing global exposure and access to investment opportunities. Organisers expect participation from international tech firms, venture capitalists, and innovation stakeholders.

Olawande also revealed that a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series is in development, aimed at embedding Nigerian innovation more deeply into the global GITEX innovation ecosystem, which includes GITEX Africa and other international tech expos.

Background: Nigeria’s GITEX Hosting Deal

This development builds on a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2024 between NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX. The agreement paved the way for Nigeria to host GITEX for the first time in 2025, putting the nation firmly on the global tech map.

Speaking on the significance of the deal, Inuwa stated, “Hosting GITEX in Nigeria will bring world-class technology experiences to our doorstep. It’s an opportunity to transform our digital economy, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a global innovation hub.”

The GITEX Nigeria event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the focus on youth development, innovation, and economic diversification through digital transformation.

A Strategic Leap for Youth Empowerment

With its ambitious vision, international partnerships, and nationwide implementation strategy, the NiYA initiative could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s youth and digital future. The UAE collaboration sets the stage for global exposure, enhanced technical competencies, and access to high-growth opportunities for millions of young Nigerians.

As the Greenhouse Centres roll out and GITEX 2025 approaches, Nigeria is poised to take bold steps toward becoming Africa’s leading innovation and talent powerhouse.