Nigeria is partnering Microsoft Corporation to advance its digital economy in line with the Economic Sustainability Plan, says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Announcing the partnership on Monday, the partners disclosed that not less than five million Nigerians would benefit from a digital upskilling programme.
The partnership, anchored on connectivity, skilling and digital transformation, followed discussions between Osinbajo and Microsoft President, Brad Smith, earlier this year.
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On the new partnership, Smith said, “We are embarking on a series of broad-based, multi-faceted investments to better serve Nigeria in three areas of internet connectivity, digital skilling and digital transformation.
“We will be providing digital skills to five million Nigerians over the next three years, and, along the way, create 27,000 new jobs during the same period.”
He added that each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria would also enjoy active internet connection and cloud services, courtesy of the digital transformation plan.
Nigeria said it was leveraging Microsoft’s experience in the utilisation of technology as an enabler for the delivery of public and social good.
Osinbajo had, in the virtual meeting with Smith in January, discussed issues covering areas between technology and governance to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.
In a formal video announcement, Osinbajo said, “Our government is committed to leveraging innovation and technology to bring better outcomes across a wide area of governance concerns. Indeed, it is with this in mind that we have sought constructive partnerships that bridge the knowledge, skills and technology gap that exist in most of our communities.
“This launch is indicative of our commitment to this and will involve collaboration with various government agencies as implementing partners, including the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Institute of Cultural Orientation and other local partners. We intend that these initiatives become institutions in their own rights and make real impact in the lives of our citizens going forward.”
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