The Federal Government of Nigeria has set an ambitious target of creating one million export-linked jobs by 2030. This move is part of the country's strategy to tap into the rapidly expanding global outsourcing market. According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the global market for outsourced services is expected to exceed $1 trillion in the coming years. Nigeria, with its large population of young, digitally skilled, and English-speaking workers, is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for talent.
The Vice President made this announcement at the global launch of the Hire From Nigeria campaign in New York, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. His address was delivered by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia. Shettima described global outsourcing as "one of the great transfers of opportunity in modern economic history," noting that Africa's share of the market remains very small.
The Hire From Nigeria campaign is a private sector-led, government-supported initiative aimed at connecting Nigerian professionals, skilled workers, digital experts, creatives, and service providers with international employers, clients, and markets. This campaign aligns with the government's priorities on youth, job creation, services, and digital trade. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized that the government is working with the private sector to reshape the country's talent pipeline and take advantage of the opportunity in the global services market.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, noted that Nigeria missed the first wave of outsourcing 25 to 30 years ago but is determined not to repeat that experience. He said ongoing education reforms are aimed at ensuring Nigerians acquire skills that can provide solutions and generate income. The government is focused on preparing the workforce for the demands of the global outsourcing market.
President and co-founder of Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, highlighted that Africa's outsourcing market is growing three times faster than comparable global markets. He estimated that about 20,000 Nigerians are already employed by domestic and international outsourcing companies in areas including customer operations, technology, data, and specialized services. The campaign aims to make Nigerian talent easier for international employers to find, while building trust and connecting workers to jobs.
The Hire From Nigeria campaign was nationally launched in Abuja on August 31 and is being championed by Tech4Dev and Univelcity in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment through the National Talent Export Programme. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's target of creating one million export-linked jobs by 2030.
The campaign's success could significantly impact Nigeria's economy, particularly in the areas of youth employment and foreign exchange earnings. With the right support and implementation, Nigeria could become a major player in the global outsourcing market, providing opportunities for its citizens and contributing to the country's economic growth.
Key points
- The Federal Government aims to create one million export-linked jobs by 2030.
- The global market for outsourced services is expected to exceed $1 trillion in the coming years.
- Nigeria's outsourcing market is growing three times faster than comparable global markets.
