Nigeria's Federal Government has launched the Hire From Nigeria initiative, aiming to create one million export-linked jobs by 2030. The program seeks to promote Nigeria as a trusted source of skilled talent and digitally delivered services. A survey by the National Talent Export Programme and UNDP has produced a directory of providers across 17 sectors, with over 90% of surveyed businesses headquartered in Nigeria. The initiative is a public-private effort to tap into the country's enormous reservoir of professionals.
The global digitally delivered services market has become a significant component of trade, accounting for 14.5% of total world exports of goods and services in 2024. However, Africa captured less than 1% of global digitally delivered services exports that year, despite recording the fastest regional growth. Nigeria's own digitally delivered services exports stood at approximately $1.42 billion in 2024, making up just 0.03% of the world total. The majority of these exports came from financial services, with recorded computer services being negligible.
The Hire From Nigeria initiative proposes a new approach to exporting talent, where Nigerians can work for global companies without leaving the country. This is a departure from the traditional model where Nigerians would travel abroad to work. The program has the potential to unlock economic value in Nigeria, particularly in the digital services sector. With a large and young population, Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global digital economy.
However, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) may change the global talent landscape. Anthropic, an AI company, recently used 950 AI agents to search through a vast database of biological information, identifying novel systems and patterns. This experiment highlights the potential of AI to augment human cognition and make certain forms of attention more abundant. As AI technology advances, it may alter the price, availability, and meaning of talent, making it essential for Nigeria to adapt its strategy.
The Hire From Nigeria initiative should not be viewed solely as a labor-arbitrage proposition, where Nigerian professionals are hired due to their lower costs. Instead, the focus should be on creating value and moving up the hierarchy of economic capability. This involves developing skills, expertise, judgment, and solutions, ultimately leading to discovery and innovation. Nigeria must think several moves ahead and develop a strategy that takes into account the changing global talent landscape.
The strategic objective of Hire From Nigeria should be to move Nigerians from selling hours to discovery. This requires a shift in focus from competing on cost to creating value. By developing a directory of providers and promoting Nigeria as a trusted source of skilled talent, the initiative can help Nigerian professionals and businesses tap into the global digital economy. The government and private sector must work together to support this effort and unlock Nigeria's potential in the digital services sector.
As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious plan, it must be aware of the potential risks and challenges. The rise of AI may disrupt traditional employment models, and Nigeria must be prepared to adapt. However, with the right strategy and support, the Hire From Nigeria initiative can help unlock economic value, create jobs, and establish Nigeria as a major player in the global digital economy.
Key points
- Nigeria aims to create one million export-linked jobs by 2030 through its Hire From Nigeria initiative.
- The global digitally delivered services market has become a significant component of trade, accounting for 14.5% of total world exports of goods and services in 2024.
- The rise of AI may change the global talent landscape, making it essential for Nigeria to adapt its strategy to focus on creating value and moving up the hierarchy of economic capability.
