Nigeria’s NATEP fuels ascent as a global talent powerhouse
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) is making significant strides in establishing the country as a premier global hub for service exports and talent sourcing.
With a strategic partnership with Lab Four, a US-based company, NATEP is set to create 50,000 jobs, contributing to a larger goal of delivering one million service-export jobs over the next five years.
NATEP Regional Coordinator Dr. Femi Adeluyi said that this collaboration is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to diversifying its economy and enhancing its brand on the international stage.
The program’s innovative approach is designed to tap into the global talent-sourcing market, valued at $620.381 billion in 2020 and projected to grow to $904.948 billion by 2027.
By focusing on the “IMPACT” sectors—Insurance, Medical, Professionals, Artisans, Creative, and Technology—NATEP is aligning Nigeria’s abundant human capital with international demand.
NATEP’s strategy encompasses eight pillars, including policy support, skills and talent pipeline development, infrastructure & innovation, partnerships, talent export facilitation, promotion, branding, finance, incentives, and monitoring.
Adeluyi noted that these pillars are crucial for creating a fertile ecosystem for talent growth and export, democratizing the BPO sector, and setting a scalable model for job creation.
The initiative is not only about quantitative job creation but also qualitative transformation. It aims to harness Nigeria’s intellectual resources, boost foreign exchange earnings, and stimulate economic growth.
With over 1.7 million graduates entering the workforce annually, Nigeria is poised to supply top talents for the global service export and outsourcing business.
NATEP’s impact is expected to extend beyond job creation, with the potential to contribute up to $1.2 billion annually to the Nigerian economy. This aligns with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes job creation, particularly for the youth, who make up over 60% of the nation’s population.
The program also integrates inclusivity, targeting significant participation from women and people living with disabilities.
The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the World Economic Forum, which stands ready to work with the Nigerian government on this transformative journey.
As Nigeria continues to build partnerships and foster innovation, NATEP is poised to redefine the horizon of prosperity and turn renewed hope into a vibrant reality for every Nigerian.
