全球发展中心-尼日利亚和欧洲在信息、通信和技术（ICT）方面的全球技能伙伴关系（英）-2021.7_18页_865kb

Summary of A Global Skill Partnership in ICT between Nigeria and Europe

Core Content

This document explores the potential for a Global Skill Partnership in the Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) sector between Nigeria and several European countries, including Germany, the UK, Belgium, and Lithuania. The partnership aims to address labor shortages in the European ICT industry while also providing Nigerian youth with better employment opportunities through legal migration pathways.

The report is part of a joint initiative by the World Bank and the Center for Global Development (CGD), which has previously developed a model for labor migration partnerships. The ICT sector is highlighted as a key component of the digital economy, which is projected to be worth $11.5 trillion globally, or 15.5% of the world's GDP. The industry spans both high- and mid-skilled roles and is essential for economic growth and innovation in both developed and developing economies.

Main Points

1. ICT Industry Overview

• The ICT industry is a core part of the digital economy and is growing rapidly, outpacing global GDP growth.
• It includes both the creation of ICT assets (e.g., software, hardware) and the provision of ICT services (e.g., R&D, programming).
• The industry is resilient to economic shocks such as the pandemic and is expected to continue expanding.

2. ICT Workforce and Skills Gap

• In Nigeria, the ICT sector contributes significantly to GDP, yet it has not translated into widespread employment opportunities for youth.
• There is a notable skills gap, especially in areas like AI, data science, and cloud infrastructure, which hinders the sector's potential.
• The formal training system in Nigeria is underdeveloped, leading many to self-learn through online platforms, which results in fragmented and inconsistent skill development.

3. Migration Strategies

• Employers in the ICT sector use a combination of strategies to address labor shortages, including:
  • Recruiting foreign workers from abroad.
  • Hiring immigrants already in the destination country.
  • Transferring employees between multinational company offices.
• Legal migration pathways, such as the EU's Blue Card Directive, have facilitated the movement of ICT professionals, particularly from India, into the EU.

4. Potential Destination Markets

• Germany: The ICT sector contributes 4.2% to GDP and faces significant labor shortages. A new Skilled Immigration Act allows for ICT professionals to work without formal qualifications, provided they have 3 years of experience and meet income thresholds.
• UK: The sector is a major contributor to the economy, but it faces a severe shortage of skilled workers. A Points-Based Immigration System has been introduced to attract talent, with ICT professionals included in the shortage list.
• Belgium: The ICT sector is a key driver of economic growth, but there are substantial labor shortages. The country has a selective immigration policy, with ICT professionals able to migrate to any of its four regions for up to three years.
• Lithuania: The ICT sector is growing rapidly, with a focus on fintech and software development. The country has a strong base of skilled ICT workers and is attracting investment and talent from abroad.

Key Information

1. Training and Education

• The training ecosystem in Nigeria is a mix of formal and informal providers.
• Formal training is limited by outdated curricula, poor infrastructure, and a mismatch between education and market needs.
• Informal training, while more accessible, is often ineffective. Many Nigerian software developers are self-taught, leading to specific skill shortages.

2. ICT Migration Model

• The report suggests a model that includes:
  • Training Nigerian ICT professionals.
  • Facilitating their migration to European countries.
  • Supporting their reintegration into the Nigerian job market upon return.
• The model emphasizes the need for flexibility, as ICT demands are rapidly evolving.

3. Challenges and Risks

• Automation: Could reduce the demand for ICT workers in the future.
• Skill Mismatch: Training may not align with current or future market needs.
• Short-term Work: Many ICT roles in Nigeria are short-term or consultancy-based, requiring additional support for business investment and entrepreneurship.
• Data Limitations: There is a lack of comprehensive data on the presence of Nigerian ICT professionals in Europe.

4. Case Studies and Pilot Projects

• IOM Belgium and Luxembourg's Project with Tunisia: Showed that internships and training in European companies can significantly improve employability and job placement for participants.
• PALIM (European Pilot Project with Morocco): Demonstrated the potential of the Global Skill Partnership model, though it required constant adaptation to changing labor market needs.
• MATCH (EU Initiative): Aims to match Nigerian and Senegalese ICT professionals with companies in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, promoting cross-border collaboration and skills development.

Conclusion

The Global Skill Partnership in ICT between Nigeria and Europe presents a viable opportunity to address labor shortages in the EU while enhancing employment prospects for Nigerian youth. However, success depends on the flexibility of the partnership, alignment with market needs, and the development of a robust training system in Nigeria. The report emphasizes the need for collaboration between governments, employers, and training institutions to ensure that such partnerships are both effective and beneficial for development.