3MTT: Nigeria announces partner network as EU commits €5m to digital skills programme

*Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, explains the Nigerian Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Partner Network will formalise collaborations driving the programme while expanding opportunities for broader participation of industry stakeholders

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a move to deepen Nigeria’s digital skills development programme, the Federal Government recently launched the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Partner Network, as the European Union (EU) pledged €5 million to support the West African country’s emerging digital economy.

ConsumerConnect reports the 3MTT programme is a flagship initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE).

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It is designed to position Nigeria as a leading digital economy on the African continent.

The event, which held at the weekend in Lagos, attracted senior government officials, a European Union (EU) delegation, and top industry stakeholders from both the private sector and development community.

The forum featured participation from existing and prospective partners, including leading technology firms and telecoms companies, such as MTN Nigeria, Microsoft, Google, Airtel Networks, and Moniepoint.

Core objectives of 3MTT Partner Network

The Nigerian Government noted the digital initiative indicated a new phase for the 3MTT programme.

It is equally said the programme is transitioning from a mere national intervention to a more structured and scalable talent development framework.

The government explained the Partner Network is expected to move 3MTT’s collaborations from ad-hoc engagements to a more coordinated and accountable structure.

All this is aimed at scaling Nigeria’s digital talent pool in the global digital economy space.

Speaking at the event, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), said the partner network would formalise collaborations that had driven the programme, and expand opportunities for broader participation of stakeholders.

Tijani intoned: “Today is not the end of a chapter; it is the opening of a new one.

“The 3MTT Partner Network gives structure to the relationships that have powered this programme, and creates a front door for every organisation that wants to be part of what comes next.”

The Minister also affirmed that Nigeria is steadily building a talent infrastructure capable of supporting Africa’s growing digital economy.

EU Rep: Nigerian talent matters globally

In his remarks at the event, a senior representative of the European Union acknowledged the funding forms part of the bloc’s broader digital support package for Nigeria.

The EU top official describing the West African country as a model for large-scale digital talent development across Africa.

He said: “The EU has committed to 3MTT together with Member States and EU companies as a key part of its Digital Package in Nigeria. Nigerian talent matters globally.”

Selected fellows of the programme as part of the 3MTT Partner Network equally shared their experiences.

They highlighted the impact of the initiative on their technical skills and career growth over the years.

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