In an effort to tackle the ongoing challenge of job placement for Nigeria’s expanding tech talent pool, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has established a strategic collaboration with Afrovision Technologies Ltd. (Doballi), a Dubai-based platform powered by AI.
The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to develop a sustainable pipeline of job opportunities, linking skilled Nigerian professionals with global companies in need of remote workers.
Despite a dynamic tech landscape, many Nigerian talents encounter obstacles in finding meaningful employment. This partnership aims to eliminate those challenges by leveraging the capabilities of both organizations to promote digital transformation and stimulate economic growth.
NITDA, the federal agency that oversees the development and regulation of IT, will play a crucial role in identifying and training a consistent flow of highly-skilled Nigerian tech professionals.
These individuals will be integrated into the Doballi platform, a cutting-edge AI tool designed to connect vetted African talent with international employers.
The director-general of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, remarked that this collaboration transcends simple job creation.
He highlighted that the platform would not only establish a pipeline for sustainable digital jobs but also generate visibility for social and economic data beneficial for policy and decision-makers.
“It’s about establishing a sustainable digital jobs ecosystem and offering vital social and economic data to guide policy and decision-making,” he stated.
The MoU delineates clear roles for each party. NITDA will ensure that all talents submitted for onboarding meet employment standards, serving as a trustworthy source of qualified professionals for the Doballi platform. Significantly, Doballi has waived the mandatory $150 assessment fee for talents sourced by NITDA, underscoring their dedication to accessibility and inclusivity.
The country director of Doballi, Nneoma Ijei, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are optimistic that this collaboration will unlock numerous remote job opportunities for Nigerian tech talents, promoting economic growth and professional development throughout the nation.”
As global demand for tech skill rises, Africa, with Nigeria leading the way, is positioned to emerge as a significant player. “With its young, vibrant, and innovative workforce, the continent is set to reshape the future of technology and drive global innovation,” said Ijei.
Doballi’s commitment goes beyond simple job placement. The platform will provide candidates with important industry knowledge, specifying key areas of expertise and necessary certifications. It will also offer cross-cultural training to prepare talents for the intricacies of international work environments.
Additionally, Doballi will create a dedicated dashboard for NITDA that facilitates real-time monitoring of talent progress, employer feedback, and management of foreign currency payments and tax implications within the Nigerian banking system.
This level of transparency and accountability is crucial for the long-term success of the initiative. The collaboration between NITDA and Doballi marks a significant move towards unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s tech talent, bridging the global skills divide, and fostering sustainable economic growth. As the global landscape increasingly shifts toward remote work, Nigeria is strategically positioned to take advantage of this trend.