To strengthen the state’s digital economy, the Imo State Government of Nigeria and DIGITAL SME have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin a digital skills development program.
According to a statement released on Monday, this relationship intends to boost the digital ecosystems of both sides through freelancing, mentorship, and digital skills training programs. It also coincides with the digital development goals of the Africa-European Union relationship.
The parties said that by connecting digital workers from Imo State with European businesses through the freelancing program, these professionals will have access to priceless chances for professional growth.
According to the announcement, the effort is anticipated to enhance Imo State’s socioeconomic circumstances, emphasising empowering the region’s female labour force.
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Digital SME president’s remarks
According to Dr Oliver Grün, President of DIGITAL SME, European digital SMEs will have more excellent opportunities due to their relationship with the Imo State Government. These opportunities will include access to local talent and insights into the dynamics of the tech market in West Africa.
“This is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts,” he stated, “because cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone.”
They added that the mentorship program will connect young people in Imo State with European businesses, providing them with career assistance in the digital realm and the expertise necessary to thrive in both domestic and international markets.
According to the statement, this engagement will also assist European companies in comprehending the difficulties encountered in Africa and Nigeria, opening doors for internationalisation.
Imo State’s Partnership with European Digital SME Alliance
“This collaborative partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance will foster innovation and entrepreneurship while creating new market opportunities for startups and innovators in Imo State,” said Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Imo State’s Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government.
It is acknowledged that providing young people with relevant digital skills to engage with new career opportunities developing from the global digital economy can improve their quality of life in Imo State.
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Digital SME to support the creation of a digital skills training hub
In light of this, DIGITAL SME stated that it will disseminate best practices for reskilling and upskilling youth interested in careers in the digital industry and that it will assist in establishing a digital skills training hub by using a “train the trainer” strategy.
As per the press release, the Imo State government would supervise the distribution of the knowledge obtained from these exchanges by arranging on-site training programs focused on digital skills.
With this agreement, DIGITAL SME is demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting initiatives that foster constructive communication between public and private stakeholders by working with international partners.
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network of small and medium-sized ICT businesses in Europe.