Nigeria aims to become global talent outsourcing hub
ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s ambition to transform its youthful population into a global hub for outsourcing talents, emphasizing the country’s potential to become a digital economy powerhouse.
This announcement was made during the meeting of African Heads of State and Government on the 21st Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA21) in Nairobi.
Strategic reforms and digital transformation
Under the theme “The Path to Recovery: Nigeria’s Journey Beyond Sabotage,” President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, outlined Nigeria’s strategy to leverage its digital and creative economy.
The President’s vision includes building a vast digital market to absorb innovations and technologies positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for digital talent outsourcing.
“Being a young country with a median age of about 18, our interventions in the digital economy have been so extensive that we are no longer boasting of having the most unicorns, but preparing to serve as a global hub for outsourcing talents,” President Tinubu stated.
Last March, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) to capture a substantial share of the global business process outsourcing (BPO) market.
A newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and United States-based cybersecurity institute Lab Four is also set to bring 50,000 full-time business process outsourcing (BPO) jobs to the country within the next three years.
Economic recovery and climate resilience
The President also highlighted the administration’s commitment to economic recovery, climate resilience, and carbon market investments.
“The tensions resulting from climate-induced disruptions serve as a pressing call to action… We aim to become an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments,” he added.
Regional integration and global partnerships
Emphasizing the importance of regional economic integration, President Tinubu pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement as a key instrument for dismantling investment barriers and facilitating access to international markets.
“Our path to the future depends on nurturing strategic partnerships with other nations and development organizations,” he remarked.
Summit outcomes and commitments
The summit concluded with African leaders adopting a joint communique and committing to accelerate economic transformation through effective partnerships with IDA. The Nairobi Communique outlined priorities for IDA21, including human capital development, job creation, and resilience to climate change.
World Bank President Ajay Banga expressed optimism about Africa’s potential and emphasized the IDA’s commitment to supporting the continent’s development goals.
“We stand at the crossroads of a new era of growth and prosperity for Africa,” Banga stated.
President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria as a global hub for outsourcing talents reflects a strategic approach to leveraging the country’s youthful population and digital economy potential, aiming to position Nigeria at the forefront of the global digital landscape.
