Opportunity

PRESS RELEASE  DIGITAL SME has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Imo State Government, Nigeria which seeks to promote the uptake of advanced digital solutions and skills in Imo State. The agreement centres on key actions in the areas of knowledge sharing and skills development, with specific planning of mentoring programmes and digital skills training. It marks an additional step in DIGITAL SME’s commitment to empowering SME innovators to lead digital transformation in Imo State and beyond, championing a human-centric approach to technology and standards globally.  The Memorandum of Understanding between DIGITAL SME and Imo State Government, Nigeria seeks to further the development of digital competencies through international cooperation, as outlined in the Africa-EU Partnership. DIGITAL SME and Imo State Government, Nigeria will seek to complement each other’s digital ecosystems, specifically through activities under three main pillars: a freelancing programme, a mentorship programme, and digital skills training.  “This partnership with the Imo State Government, Nigeria will open up more opportunities for European digital SMEs, who will be able to benefit from insights into tech market dynamics in West Africa and access to local talent. Cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone, and this is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts” — DIGITAL SME President Dr Oliver Grün. “ This collaborative partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance will foster innovation and entrepreneurship while creating  new market  opportunities for Startups and innovators in Imo State” — Dr Chimezie Amadi, The Honourable Commissioner, for Digital Economy And E-Government, Government  Imo State, Nigeria.  The Freelancing Programme will allow European companies to access a talent pool of digital professionals from Imo State, while providing these professionals with opportunities for professional development. This initiative seeks to contribute to the socio-economic conditions of local communities in Imo State, and will prioritise making these opportunities available to local female workforce. The Mentoring Programme will link European businesses with young people in the Imo State, providing them with insights on digital careers and knowledge necessary to succeed in the national and international markets. In this way, the participating businesses will gain an insight into the challenges faced in emerging markets (Africa and Nigeria specifically), facilitating internationalisation opportunities. Digital skills training is recognised as a means of increasing the quality of life in Imo State by equipping young people with relevant digital skills that can connect them to new job opportunities arising from the global digital economy. To this end, DIGITAL SME will share best practices on upskilling and reskilling young people interested in working in the digital sector, and through a “train the trainer” approach, support the creation of a Digital Skills training hub. The Government of the Imo State will oversee the dissemination of the knowledge acquired from these exchanges through organising local trainings on digital skills. Additionally, DIGITAL SME and the Imo State Government, Nigeria commit to enhancing each other’s research and innovation capacity through participating in international cooperation projects, and exploring new opportunities for further cooperation in the areas identified in the Africa-EU Partnership, in particular with regard to digital transformation.  This agreement is an additional step by DIGITAL SME in collaborating with international partners, as part of DIGITAL SME’s commitment to support efforts to establish a productive dialogue with public and private stakeholders and advance a democratic and human-centred approach to technology and ICT standards around the world. For any media inquiry on this matter, please contact:·       Lucas Asmelash, Communication Manager, DIGITAL SME Alliance: l.asmelash@digitalsme.eu·       Sandra Opara, Communication Assistant, Imo State Government Nigeria: sandraopara.mdeeg@gmail.com