FG Launches National Talent Export Programme to Boost Youth Employment
During the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with the World Bank and Microsoft, introduced the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) aimed at empowering Nigerian youth.
Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesperson, emphasized that this initiative signifies a bold move by the federal government to bolster Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
Representing President Tinubu at the event was Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.NATEP’s primary objective is to establish Nigeria as a prominent hub for talent outsourcing in Africa, taking inspiration from successful models in India, Bangladesh, Mexico, and the Philippines.
The program was unveiled at Microsoft’s New York office, attracting dignitaries from multilateral institutions and global tech giants.Prominent attendees included Saadia Zahidi from the World Economic Forum, John G. Coumantaros, Chairman of the US-Nigeria Business Council, and Dr. Floriezelle Liser, President and Chief Executive of the Corporate Council on Africa.
Additionally, experts from organizations like Outsource Global, NITDA, Google, Amazon AWS, and Microsoft were present, both in-person and online.Dr. Uzoka-Anite highlighted NATEP’s significance as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will position Nigeria as a global leader in service exports, talent sourcing, and talent exports.
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The program will address the unique needs and challenges of the talent and service export industry, emphasizing competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth through service trade.
Furthermore, NATEP aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda for job creation, aiming to generate one million in-demand jobs across Nigeria over a five-year period.
The initiative holds the potential to create jobs, attract foreign exchange through remittances, and contribute substantial tax revenue to state governments.
Saadia Zahidi from the World Economic Forum expressed her support for NATEP, emphasizing its importance in addressing skills and job-related issues.
The WEF expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on this transformative initiative.Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, pledged his ministry’s collaboration and support to ensure NATEP achieves its objectives.
He stressed the critical role of talent in the global economy and the need to attract and retain top talents.Speakers at the event lauded NATEP as a pivotal national initiative that could significantly impact Nigeria’s economic prospects, akin to India’s success in attracting talent exports worth over $300 billion annually.
A panel discussion moderated by the National Coordinator of NATEP, featuring panelists Amal Hassan, Ola Williams, and Adaora Ikenze, garnered positive feedback and commitment from participants to support the NATEP initiative.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the NATEP logo, symbolizing Nigeria’s readiness to become a global hub for talent exports.
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