Ibrahim: Mastercard Foundation 2024 Edtech Conference shows commitment to youths

Nigeria's Minister of Youth Development, Jamil Bio Ibrahim, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa to discuss the country's commitment to ensuring gainful employment for its young population. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of leveraging digital platforms to deploy skills and knowledge in priority sectors, highlighting the role of young people as drivers of change and development. During the interview, Ibrahim expressed both optimism and concern regarding youth development in Nigeria. She acknowledged the global shift in perception towards youth development, especially in Africa, where there is a growing focus on empowering young people. Ibrahim described her feeling as "bittersweet," noting that while there is a concerted effort to harness the potential of the youth bulge in Nigeria and Africa, there is still much work to be done. One of the key initiatives discussed was the Mastercard Foundation 2024 Edtech Conference, which serves as a platform to showcase commitments to youth development. Ibrahim stressed the importance of scaling up young people for jobs and entrepreneurship while emphasizing the critical role of technology in this process. The goal is to make young individuals the drivers of socio-economic development by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Despite the progress being made, Ibrahim highlighted the sobering reality that over 108 million young people are currently not employed or engaged in gainful activities. She expressed deep concern over the fact that nearly half of these individuals are Nigerians, underscoring the urgent need to address this issue. Ibrahim admitted that the situation keeps her up at night, but she remains dedicated to ensuring that as many young people as possible are connected to gainful employment. The Minister of Youth Development reiterated the government's commitment to leveraging digital platforms to deploy skills and knowledge in priority sectors. By focusing on key areas that are crucial to Nigeria's development, such as technology, entrepreneurship, and job creation, the aim is to make the country's youth globally competitive. In conclusion, Jamil Bio Ibrahim's remarks shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing youth development in Nigeria. The Mastercard Foundation 2024 Edtech Conference serves as a testament to the country's dedication to empowering its young population and harnessing their potential for driving meaningful change and development. As efforts continue to bridge the gap between skill development and employment opportunities, Nigeria remains focused on creating a brighter future for its youth.