Bridging the digital divide: SkillUpImo and future of work

The contemporary workforce is undergoing a seismic shift, transitioning from a reliance on manual labour towards a pronounced demand for digital proficiency. This paradigm shift, catalysed by the inexorable rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, necessitates a proactive approach to workforce development to ensure future economic prosperity.

The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report underscores this urgency, projecting the displacement of 92 million jobs while simultaneously creating 170 million new roles, largely contingent upon digital literacy.

Recognising this impending transformation, the Imo State government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has taken a pioneering stride with the establishment of SkillUpImo, a comprehensive human capacity and digital skills literacy programme.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government, represents a strategic investment in the state’s human capital, positioning Imo at the forefront of the digital revolution in Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to youth empowerment and technological advancement. Recognising the pivotal role of youth in driving economic growth and societal progress, the government has prioritised leveraging technology to combat unemployment and position Imo State as a leader in the digital economy.

Imo possesses a wealth of human capital, boasting a vibrant youth demographic, a robust educational infrastructure, and a deeply ingrained entrepreneurial spirit in the people both locally and outside the state. The SkillUpImo project, an ambitious undertaking aimed at equipping 300,000 Imolites with in-demand 4IR skills between 2022 and 2026, embodies this commitment. By fostering a digitally proficient workforce, SkillUpImo seeks to unlock the state’s immense potential, transforming Imo into a global hub for IT talent and attracting significant tech-driven investments.

However, the SkillUpImo project transcends a mere skills acquisition initiative; it represents a comprehensive strategy to create a digital workforce capable of competing on a global scale. As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the demand for digital skills is skyrocketing.

By 2030, a staggering 41 per cent of employers will downsise their workforce, with 39 per cent of job skills becoming obsolete. This underscores the urgent need for continuous upskilling and reskilling to remain relevant in the evolving job market.

The global digital skills gap poses a significant challenge, affecting both individuals and organisations worldwide. Approximately 87 per cent of organisations globally report talent shortages or anticipate facing them in the near future. Many positions, particularly in technology, remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates.

Furthermore, rapid technological advancements are rendering nearly 49 per cent of employees’ current skills obsolete by the end of 2025. The technology sector is particularly impacted, with a severe shortage of professionals in emerging fields such as AI, data science, and cybersecurity.

The consequences of neglecting the digital skills gap are dire. By the end of 2025, the global economic output could suffer a staggering $2.5 trillion loss due to decreased productivity and stifled innovation. Over 54 per cent of employees globally require significant upskilling to meet the evolving demands of their job roles, emphasising the imperative for continuous learning and adaptation across industries.

Prior to the Uzodimma administration, Imo State predominantly relied on industrial or manual labor, resulting in a relatively low supply of tech talent. This poses a significant economic risk as development expands and new industries emerge, creating a demand for hundreds of thousands of skilled workers.

Without the necessary tech know-how and digital literacy, Imo youths risk being left behind in the job market, leading to further unemployment and the influx of tech talent from outside the state.

With foresight and hindsight born out of pure visionary leadership, SkillUpImo was launched not only to upskill and reskill Imolites for local employment but also to prepare them for the global tech workforce. By equipping Imo’s youth with in-demand digital skills, the project aims to position Imo as a go-to destination for tech talent and a hub of digital innovation.

This strategic move will not only benefit Imo’s economy but also contribute to the global workforce by providing a pool of highly skilled and competitive individuals.

SkillUpImo strategically focuses on critical 4IR domains such as software development, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computer appreciation, and cloud computing, recognising these as the pillars of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the bedrock of modern economies.

To date, the programme has achieved significant milestones. With the successful completion of cohorts 1, 2 and cohort 3 currently underway, over 40,000 youths have received training in diverse areas encompassing cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mobile app development, software development, blockchain, fintech, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing.

Notably, the programme demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, with 43 per cent male and 53 per cent female participation ,and 2 per cent participation from individuals with disabilities.

SkillUpImo has forged strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, enhancing the programme’s impact and global reach. Collaborations with Microsoft (Wootlab Foundation) and Cisco Networking Academy provide access to internationally recognised certifications, and enhance their employability prospects.

Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding with the European Digital SME Alliance facilitates a mutually beneficial exchange, connecting Imo State talent with employment opportunities in Europe while simultaneously enriching the West African tech ecosystem.

The programme extends beyond classroom training, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. The establishment of dedicated innovation hubs and centers provides trainees with access to mentorship, advanced tools, and funding opportunities, empowering them to translate their skills into tangible solutions.

The ministry actively encourages innovation through the organisation of hackathons and tech-focused events, such as Hack4FUTO, which serve as platforms for collaboration, creativity, and the development of innovative solutions to real-world challenges. These initiatives have fostered a thriving entrepreneurial environment, with notable startups like Technamedia emerging as testaments to the programme’s success in nurturing young talent.

Recognising the importance of early exposure to technology, the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government extends its digital literacy programme to encompass younger learners. A specially curated curriculum, aligned with the SkillUpImo framework, is implemented during school holidays to introduce children in basic and elementary schools to fundamental digital concepts.
Dr Amadi is Imo State Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government.

This initiative, grounded in the principle of “catch them young,” equips young minds with essential skills such as computer appreciation, introductory programming, and game development.

By fostering a digital literacy foundation at an early age, the programme aims to cultivate a generation of digitally adept individuals who are not only consumers of technology but also creators and innovators.

Being the first state in the federation to combat socio-economic issues like unemployment, amongst many other challenges faced before the current administration, Imo State has now emerged as a regional leader in workforce development, serving as a model for other states across Nigeria.

However, the programme goes beyond technical skills development, also incorporating training in remote work and freelancing. This equips graduates with the ability to collaborate and deliver services for companies worldwide, fostering location independence and expanding their earning potential.

The Ministry’s commitment to this vision is further exemplified by the launch of “Techosphere,” a dedicated freelance platform connecting SkillUpImo graduates with remote tech gigs.

The SkillUpImo Project has garnered widespread recognition for its innovative approach to equipping citizens with in-demand digital skills. This pioneering initiative has been lauded by stakeholders across the South-East region, culminating in the prestigious award for Best State MDA in ICT Human Capacity Development at the inaugural Nigeria Gov-Tech Public Service Awards.

Furthermore, the strategic partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance positions Imo as a net exporter of skilled talent. SkillUpImo graduates, armed with in-demand skills, are contributing to the global tech landscape through remote work and on-site employment opportunities in Europe.

The success of the SkillUpImo Project aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which aims to achieve a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030. By prioritising skill development and fostering a digitally empowered workforce, Imo State is making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s broader digital economy strategy.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government has actively cultivated public-private partnerships to drive this vision forward. Collaborations with leading technology companies such as Microsoft, Konga, Zinox, and local tech firms have provided SkillUpImo graduates with valuable employment opportunities and access to mentorship and resources.

Moreover, Imo State is actively engaged in national and international tech forums, advocating for policies that support the growth of the digital economy. This proactive engagement ensures that Imo’s voice is heard in shaping Nigeria’s digital future and solidifies the state’s position as a key contributor to the nation’s technological advancement.

The digital revolution is reshaping the global landscape, and Imo State is at the forefront of this transformation. The SkillUpImo Project represents a visionary initiative that empowers citizens, fosters innovation, and positions Imo as a key player in the global digital economy. By harnessing the potential of its youthful population, Imo State is not only shaping its own future but also emerging as a leading source of talent and innovation for the world. The journey has just begun, and Imo State is poised to make its mark on the global stage in the years to come.