Youth Minister Partners GITEX Global, Deepens UAE Collaboration to Empower Young Nigerians

In a bold step to position Nigerian youth at the forefront of global innovation, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, has announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s premier platforms for technology, entrepreneurship and digital transformation.

The collaboration will culminate in a nationwide digital showcase from September 1st to 4th, 2025 which will spotlight 300 promising Nigerian startups. These start-ups will gain access to global exposure, international partnerships, and scale-up support, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s youth empowerment efforts.

Speaking after a high-level strategy meeting with the director general of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi in Abuja on Friday, Hon. Olawande said the initiative was designed to unlock global opportunities and connect Nigeria’s young innovators to the world.

The initiative builds upon the momentum of NiYA – the Nigerian Youth Academy, a flagship programme launched under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. NiYA is already training over seven million Nigerian youths on digital skills and entrepreneurship, with over 210,000 already onboarded and Green House centres rolling out across all 774 local government areas.

In a further move to deepen global collaboration, the minister is currently on a diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he met with His Excellency Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi, UAE’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs and chief of staff to the prime minister.

The minister also held a productive engagement with the leadership of Dubai Cares, a renowned philanthropic organization focused on education and youth empowerment. Discussions centered on creating synergies that would scale the impact of Nigeria’s youth initiatives to reach even more beneficiaries across the country.

The ministry has also proposed a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA, to connect local innovation ecosystems directly with global platforms such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global in Dubai.

As Nigeria continues to invest in digital economy development and youth empowerment, this blend of local innovation and international cooperation is expected to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and inclusive development.

Further updates on the GITEX Nigeria showcase, startup selection process, and international exchange opportunities are expected in the coming weeks.