Nigeria and Japan have signed a new digital cooperation agreement aimed at boosting technology innovation, digital upskilling, and capacity building for young Nigerians.
The strategic partnership, announced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), focuses on areas such as software development, cybersecurity training, AI research, and startup incubation.
Under the agreement, Japanese partners will provide technical expertise and training support through exchange programs, joint research labs, and specialized capacity-building centres.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa described the deal as a crucial step toward closing Nigeria’s digital skills gap, which is seen as one of the major barriers to scaling the country’s digital economy ambitions.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, said the agreement aligns with Japan’s commitment to supporting African countries in building resilient digital economies that foster job creation, trade, and investment.
The partnership comes as Nigeria accelerates the implementation of its National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which seeks to create millions of tech-enabled jobs and position the country as a regional digital hub.
