Nigeria’s federal government has partnered with Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson to launch a four-month digital skills training programme targeting 50,000 young people, aiming to curb youth unemployment and boost technology sector competencies.
The initiative, named the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon, was officially launched on Wednesday, February 11, in Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima described the programme as a strategic intervention to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and equip youths with relevant technical skills to compete in the global technology workforce.
The hackathon serves as an innovation platform for students, startups, young entrepreneurs, and technology hubs across the country. Organisers plan to select 50 high-potential teams for intensive technical mentorship, while about 10 finalists will advance to an incubation and acceleration stage designed to bring market-ready digital solutions to industry and society.
Participants will gain skills in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and green technologies, with an emphasis on solutions for digital inclusion, smart cities, and agritech. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, managing director of Ericsson Nigeria, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation and talent development. “We aim to equip Nigerian youths with cutting-edge digital skills and empower them to innovate solutions that can compete globally,” he said.
Addressing Youth Unemployment
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Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in Nigeria. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that in 2025, the unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 stood at 6.5 percent, above the national average. Authorities have responded with multiple programmes to enhance technical and digital capabilities, often in collaboration with private sector partners.
One of the largest initiatives, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, has trained over 135,000 youths since 2023, creating well-paying job opportunities in local and international technology firms. “Programmes like Connect NextGen build on existing efforts by providing hands-on innovation experience and mentorship, preparing youths for high-demand digital roles,” government officials said.
The government has also established a National Digital Literacy Commission in early 2026 to oversee training and certification for one million Nigerians by 2030. The commission aims to ensure 95 percent digital literacy nationwide by the end of the decade, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bridging the digital skills gap.
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Creating an Innovation Pipeline
The Connect NextGen programme not only focuses on technical training but also encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. By guiding teams through ideation, prototyping, and incubation, the initiative seeks to cultivate digital solutions that can address real-world challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
Organisers emphasise that this approach creates a pipeline of young innovators ready to tackle strategic sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, urban development, and financial technology. Students and startups participating in the hackathon gain practical experience, mentorship, and access to digital tools that can accelerate their solutions from concept to market-ready products.
Private Sector Collaboration Key
Ericsson’s involvement highlights the growing importance of private sector partnerships in Nigeria’s digital economy. By providing technical expertise, infrastructure support, and mentorship, the company strengthens the country’s capacity to train a highly skilled digital workforce. Authorities say such collaborations are critical to ensuring that Nigerian youths can seize emerging opportunities in Africa’s expanding technology sector.
Looking Ahead
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With the launch of Connect NextGen, Nigeria aims to empower 50,000 youths with the digital skills required for future jobs, helping reduce unemployment, foster innovation, and build a competitive tech ecosystem. Officials hope that by 2030, programmes like this will contribute to a digitally literate population capable of driving economic growth, technological innovation, and global competitiveness for Nigeria’s youth.
