Digital Expert Academy Promotes United States – Nigeria Collaboration in Tech – African Business

On Monday, the Digital Expert Academy in Lagos was officially opened by Will Stevens, United States Consul General, and representatives of leading American tech companies as well as Nigerian technology and business leaders. 

21st Century Technologies created the Digital Expert Academy in order to offer opportunities to train and enhance young Nigerians in digital intelligence, digital infrastructure, machine-learning, cloud services, data science, and data center management, among other tech fields.

Delivering keynote remarks on the theme “Technology as an Enabler and Tool for Empowerment,” Consul General Will Stevens noted that the U.S. government is committed to supporting programs that provide youth with quality technological learning opportunities. He highlighted the importance of tech skills to Nigeria’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.

Consul General Stevens explained that the Biden Administration’s U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa aims to drive digital transformation and foster a digital ecosystem built on open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet and information and communication technology.

“This initiative is investing in some of Nigeria’s richest resources – its young people,” said Consul General Stevens. “We hope that by developing local talent in tech fields, we help accelerate medium and long-term growth in Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s digital economy.”

Chairman & CEO, 21st Century Technologies Group, Wale Ajisebutu, explained that the Digital Expert Academy will help bridge the gap between youth and employers by better connecting young people with the changing needs of the private sector and the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy.

He said that the academy will be partnering with top American tech companies like Microsoft and Oracle to offer trainees world-class learning opportunities.  He stated that the academy is open for youth over 18 with a minimum of a highschool diploma.

The U.S. Mission supports Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene and encourages the creation of the enabling environment necessary to foster a sector that contributes to a more prosperous future for all its citizens.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria.