In a significant move to future-proof its economy, the Nigerian government has officially launched the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network. This ambitious initiative is designed to directly address the nation's critical skills shortages and prepare its workforce for the demands of the modern global economy.
A Collaborative National Effort
The launch event, which took place on 26 November 2025, marks Nigeria's formal entry into the World Economic Forum's Global Accelerators Network. The program falls under the broader umbrella of the Forum's Reskilling Revolution.
It is being co-chaired by two key federal ministries: the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Education. The day-to-day coordination and execution of the network will be managed by the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
Building a Globally Competitive Workforce
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, characterized the launch as a decisive step for the nation. She stated that the initiative is crucial for building a workforce capable of powering Nigeria's next phase of industrial growth and innovation.
She emphasized that the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network represents a fundamental shift in how the country connects policy, industry needs, and the education sector. The goal is to create a single, unified platform that drives employability, enhances productivity, and fosters inclusive economic growth.
Echoing this sentiment, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to ensuring that Nigeria's education and vocational training systems are directly aligned with the realities of the labour market. The focus is on equipping Nigerian youth with future-ready skills that make them competitive on a global scale.
A Platform for Multi-Stakeholder Action
The Accelerator will function as a central hub for collaboration, bringing together government agencies, private sector leaders, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
According to Teju Abisoye, the National Coordinator of NATEP, these stakeholders will work together to co-create scalable solutions for reskilling and upskilling the Nigerian workforce. The collaboration aims to synchronize national education and employment policies with the fast-evolving needs of the modern economy.
Abisoye added that through this partnership, Nigeria is not merely preparing for the future of work but is actively helping to define it. A coordinated Action Plan is being developed to tackle identified talent gaps and leverage the significant opportunities in talent export.
The initiative will prioritize the development of digital and transferable skills to support growth in key sectors like technology, business process outsourcing, and green industries. A core strategy involves mobilizing public-private partnerships to fund and expand reskilling programs, enabling workers to transition into high-demand roles.
The platform will also champion the creation of data-driven systems to better anticipate future skills requirements, which will in turn inform more responsive government policymaking.
The World Economic Forum has welcomed Nigeria's proactive step. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the Forum, expressed pleasure in collaborating with Nigeria to advance its skills development agenda. She noted that this initiative reflects a shared commitment to equipping individuals with the capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy, positioning Nigeria to meet domestic needs while also contributing talent and innovation to the world.
