Cisco Nigeria has identified artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and digital skills development as key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Cisco is a global technology company that offers skills-to-jobs programmes.
Mr Ikechukwu Ibeawuchi, Government Affairs Manager at Cisco Nigeria, said this on the sidelines of the 14th Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance (AfICTA) Summit in Abuja.
The summit’s theme was “Advancing Inclusive Economic Growth: The Role of Security, Digital Skills and Indigenous Content in Regional, National and SME Development.”
Ibeawuchi said Africa was a priority for Cisco, noting that the continent’s young population and growing interest in emerging technologies presented significant opportunities for digital transformation.
He said Cisco was collaborating with governments and the private sector to promote digital adoption and equip young people with the skills needed to participate effectively in the digital economy.
According to him, the growing adoption of AI among young Africans reflected their curiosity and willingness to explore technology and develop innovative solutions.
He said Cisco’s Networking Academy offered free courses in cybersecurity, networking, AI and prompt engineering to help learners acquire relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
“Our courses are regularly updated to reflect emerging technologies and are made available for free to enable people to build their skills.
“Our certifications are recognised in 190 countries, giving learners opportunities to secure jobs globally and improve their lives and communities,” he said.
Ibeawuchi said platforms such as the AfICTA Summit were important for strengthening stakeholder collaboration and identifying strategies to promote inclusive growth, job creation and business development across Africa.
He urged young entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to prioritise data privacy and cybersecurity when adopting digital technologies.
According to him, the opportunities offered by AI and other digital tools must be matched with adequate awareness of the risks associated with using digital platforms.
He commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for their roles in promoting digital awareness and data protection.
He highlighted NITDA’s digital literacy initiatives, stressing that digital education should extend beyond teaching people how to use technology to include responsible and secure digital practices.
“As we encourage SMEs and business leaders to embrace opportunities in the digital economy, we must also remind them of the need to protect their data and strengthen their security measures,” he said.
He said equipping young Nigerians with relevant digital skills, encouraging innovation and promoting cybersecurity awareness would enhance their competitiveness and support sustainable economic growth across the continent.
