The Imo Government and the European Digital SME Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive digital transformation in the state and Nigeria.
The European Digital SME Alliance is the largest network of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, representing more than 45,000 digital SMEs across the EU.
The alliance is a joint effort of 30 national and regional SME associations from EU member states and neighbouring countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement was signed electronically in Owerri and Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday.
Dr Oliver Grun, President, Digital SME signed on behalf of the European Digital SME Alliance, while Dr Chimezie Amadi, Imo Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, signed on behalf of the state government.
Grun said that the MoU marks an additional step in digital SME’s commitment to empowering SME innovators to lead digital transformation in Imo and beyond, championing a human-centric approach to technology and standards globally.
He said both groups 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 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.
“The cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone.
“This is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts,” he said.
The collaborative partnership with more than 45, 000 SMEs will foster innovation and entrepreneurship, while creating new market opportunities for start-ups and innovators in the area.
Amadi described the MoU as another big win for Sen. Hope Uzodinma-led administration in Imo.
He said that the Freelancing programme will allow European companies to access a talent pool of digital professionals from Imo, 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 the local female workforce.
“The mentoring programme will link European businesses with young people in the Imo, providing them with insights on digital careers and knowledge necessary to succeed in the national and international markets,’’ he said.
Amadi said with the development, 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 by equipping young people with relevant digital skills that can connect them to new job opportunities.
“The digital SME will share best practices on up-skilling and re-skilling 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 will oversee the dissemination of the knowledge acquired from these exchanges through organising local training on digital skills.
“Additionally, digital SME and the Imo government, Nigeria commit to enhancing each other’s research and innovation capacity through participating in international cooperation projects.
“They will also explore new opportunities for further cooperation in the areas identified in the Africa-EU Partnership, in particular with regard to digital transformation,’’ he said.(NAN)
