Microsoft partners AfDB to Train Nigerians for 9 Million Digital Economy Jobs

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Microsoft Corporation is working with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to deliver an e-learning platform that will offer marketable digital skills to youths in Nigeria, the Abidjan-based lender said on Thursday.

The initiative comprises courses in content creation, data science and web development among others. It will adopt gamification approaches teach creative thinking, collaboration, problem solving and basic coding.

“We are championing a paradigm shift that lays emphasis on skills…This is a growing trend across the globe.

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“The digital literacy and skills pillar recognizes the fact that citizens are the greatest assets in any economy, including the digital economy. It will support the development of a large pool of digitally literate and digitally skilled citizens,” said the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Issa Pantami, at the unveiling of the collaboration, which held on Monday, 28, September.

The e-learning solution is anticipated to utilise the AfDB’s Coding for Employment initiative and foster collaborations between the public and private sectors in an effort to generate 9 million employment opportunities in the continent’s digital economy in the next decade.

There is a room for expanding the platform’s content from time to time to include frsh courses while maximising the synergy to offer certifications via training.

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AfDB’s Senior Director for Nigeria Country Department, Ebrima Faal said “from artificial intelligence, the internet of things, social media communication, digital learning platforms, augmented and virtual reality, drones, 3D printing and so much more – the world has undergone a massive disruption.”

Mr Faal added that the AfDB is passionate about backing the Nigerian government to actualise an integrated digital plan.

Meanwhile, Ghada Khalifa, who serves as the director for Microsoft philanthropies in Middle East and Africa disclosed her firm’s aspiration to provide inclusive economic opportunities amidst the downtrend induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are investing in building the capacity of 5 million African youth by 2025, and excited about our collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in Nigeria with the launch of the Digital Nigeria platform to provide Nigerians with access to digital skills to meet the demand of the job market.”