Hassan Maishera
The Nigerian government launched the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital on Tuesday, July 23rd.
While speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that Africa’s most populous country is not only catching up with the rest of the world but is also ready to overtake them in terms of economy and technology.
The initiative is part of Nigeria’s strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa. The AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative was launched in partnership with tech company Gluwa and will see the training of 1,000 Nigerians annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies.
While speaking at the event held at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse, the Vice President urged Nigerian youths to embrace the initiative, which he said is important for the nation’s economic future. He stated that,
“We are not merely catching up with the rest of the world; we are poised to overtake them. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce, driving innovation that will shape our future. We are adopting this initiative across the nation to create a network of tech hubs that will power Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come.”
He added that the partnership with Gluwa aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital technology sphere. The Vice President also applauded the firm’s empowerment of Aella Microfinance Bank, resulting in the disbursement of over N100 billion to two million Nigerians.
While talking about the global implications of the Initiative, Shettima said:
“Our aspiration remains to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent.”
Despite recently losing its position as Africa’s largest economy by GDP, Nigeria remains the leading country in the continent in terms of cryptocurrency adoption. An estimated 13 million Nigerians own crypto assets despite the regulatory challenges in the country.
According to Chainalysis’s 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index, Nigeria ranks second in terms of cryptocurrency adoption, behind India. The soaring inflation levels and the devaluation of its local currency last year have eroded wealth for many Nigerians, resulting in some of them using cryptocurrencies and other fiat currencies like the US Dollar and Euros as stores of value.
