In a bid to position Nigeria as a global force in the talent-sourcing industry, the Federal Government has unveiled the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP). The initiative, which received the official launch during the sideline activities of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), is set to create a pool of talent that will bring significant economic growth to the country.
Backed by Microsoft and driven by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, NATEP forms part of the government's ambitious agenda to generate one million jobs through technical skills training. The programme seeks to achieve four main objectives: deliver one million service export jobs over the next five years, increase foreign exchange earnings and revenue for Nigeria, promote economic growth and the development of supporting industries, and enhance skills and strengthen the Nigerian brand.
Describing NATEP as a special-purpose vehicle, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, outlined the government's vision to position Nigeria as a top global hub for service exports, talent sourcing, and talent exports. With the global talent-sourcing industry valued at $620 billion in 2020 and predicted to reach $904 billion by 2027, the minister emphasized Nigeria's potential as a provider of high-quality talent for the global service export and outsourcing industry.
Drawing on Nigeria's youthful population and the addition of over 1.7 million higher education graduates to the workforce each year, NATEP aims to capitalize on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and target job opportunities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and other regions. The initiative will leverage the strategic advantages of the Nigerian market and nurture the vast array of talented professionals in the country's service outsourcing industry, ensuring clients have access to a skilled and flexible workforce capable of meeting diverse business demands.
At the launch, Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, voiced the need for meaningful exportation of Nigeria's talent, highlighting the loss of top talents to other countries. Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce in driving economic growth, he stressed the value of intentional immigration and attracting top talents to enhance a country's capabilities.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) also expressed support for NATEP, with the Managing Director, Saadia Zahidu, expressing the forum's willingness to provide continuous reskilling and upskilling support for the initiative's workforce.
With the launch of NATEP, Nigeria sets its sights on becoming a prominent player in the global talent-sourcing market. By harnessing the skills and potential of its people, the country aims to create a prosperous future while contributing to the growth and development of the global service export and outsourcing industry.
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