Becoming the Digital Backbone of the Nation
Ten years ago, the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) seemed like something straight out of science fiction, you probably thought of it as. If someone had told me then that AI would become a crucial part of our daily lives, I might have dismissed it as impossible, largely because the Third Industrial Revolution shaped my understanding. However, now, in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era, the possibilities seem limitless. Advancements in AI, ML, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data are pushing us into uncharted territory.
I can’t help but wonder about the incredible things we’ll be able to achieve with the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR)—oh wait, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself! But let’s take a moment to reflect on how we got here.
The First to Third Industrial Revolutions
If we take a step back and look at the First Industrial Revolution, it was all about mechanization. The development of steam power and mechanized production changed how goods were made. Basic tools, textiles, and agriculture were transformed, and though it may seem primitive now, this revolution paved the way for everything that followed.
Then came the Second Industrial Revolution, powered by electricity and mass production. This was the era of steel, railways, and telecommunications, and we thought it was the peak of human achievement. Factories grew larger, production became faster, and this was the pinnacle of industrial development.
But then, we entered the Third Industrial Revolution—the Digital Revolution. This is when computers, the internet, and information technology reshaped everything from business to education to communication. The rapid exchange of information became possible, and the world became more interconnected. Suddenly, we could communicate across the globe in seconds, analyze huge datasets, and automate processes like never before. It felt revolutionary, and in many ways, it was.
These eras have reshaped how we live, think, and work, driving continuous progress and setting the stage for what came next.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Africa’s Skill Gap
Now, we find ourselves in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), where AI, IoT, robotics, blockchain, and biotechnology are transforming industries and economies worldwide. While many parts of the world have embraced this new wave of technology, Africa still faces significant challenges, especially regarding the skills gap.
As industries adopt new technologies, the demand for highly specialized workers is rising faster than the supply. Currently, there are 4.5 million unfilled tech jobs worldwide, and this gap is expected to widen as the demand for tech workers continues to outpace the available supply. A global projection shows that the global technology workforce is set to grow from 85.64 million in 2023 to 115.4 million by 2028—a 35% growth projection within just five years. Yet, despite this growth, over 30 million jobs will need to be filled in the next four years, underscoring the urgent need to close the skills gap in the technology sector.
The opportunities brought by the 4IR are immense, but for Africa to fully harness them, there is a need to upskill the workforce. Countries around the globe are rapidly advancing in AI, machine learning, and automation, but many African nations still lack access to education and resources in these critical areas. Bridging this gap will require investment in STEM education, digital literacy, and innovation hubs.
Enter 3MTT.
How the 3MTT Programme is Bridging the Gap
At the heart of 3MTT is a vision to build the digital backbone of Nigeria. To address Africa's critical skill gap and prepare the continent for the full opportunities of the 4IR, the 3MTT Programme was designed to equip Nigerians with the tools they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving digital world.
But what exactly is 3MTT?
3MTT stands for "3 Million Technical Talents" and is the largest talent accelerator in the world. Its goal is to train 3 million Nigerians, providing them with technical skills that align with local and global job market demands, and placing them in high-value employment opportunities both locally and internationally. This monumental effort is structured around a dynamic framework that ensures participants receive comprehensive training and support throughout their learning journey and career development.
The framework is built on five critical pillars:
In-demand Skill Identification: The first step in closing the skills gap is identifying which skills are needed. 3MTT has developed a skills taxonomy based on both local and global talent demands. By staying current with industry trends, the program ensures that its participants are learning relevant, in-demand skills. Whether it’s AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or software engineering, 3MTT tailors its curriculum to meet these emerging needs.
Applied Learning: Learning technical skills isn’t just about theory—it’s about practice. 3MTT provides a hybrid learning experience that blends technical skills with real-world applications. The program’s hands-on approach, including innovation challenges and hackathons, ensures that participants gain practical experience alongside their academic education. This makes the learning more effective and prepares participants for actual job challenges.
Community: 3MTT isn’t just a learning program—it’s a community. By fostering a network of support, collaboration, and shared learning, the program helps participants continue their growth even beyond their initial training. The community structure is nationwide, making it easier for fellows to connect with mentors, peers, and industry leaders, no matter where they are.
Placements: The ultimate goal of any training program is employment. 3MTT takes this seriously by aggregating job opportunities from both local and international markets and equipping fellows with the soft skills they need to thrive in the workplace. This doesn’t stop at just job placement; the program focuses on long-term career success, helping participants secure meaningful employment and grow within their fields.
Sustainable Ecosystem of Opportunities: The learning journey doesn’t end once someone secures a job. The 3MTT framework provides continuous opportunities for lifelong learning, ensuring that fellows can upskill and reskill as industries evolve. This sustainable ecosystem helps create a workforce that is always ready for the next technological advancement, building a resilient and innovative economy.
With 3MTT's structured approach, Africa can bridge its skills gap and fully embrace the 4IR, positioning itself as a global leader in technical talent. By creating a pipeline of skilled professionals, the program contributes to the digital backbone of the nation, preparing it for a future of limitless possibilities.
In our next newsletter, we talk about our 1% 10% 100% Implementation Approach and how it allows us to learn how to effectively train and place world-class technical talent in each phase.
Community Corner
Success Stories
Join us on Monday the 7th of October to hear from 3MTT Fellows who will showcase projects and innovations they have developed during the Programme, and how it has impacted their skills, mindset, or career direction by winning the Knowledge Showcase Challenge.
Events
Digital Nigeria
The Digital Nigeria International Conference 2024, a 3-day conference, starting on the 22nd of October to the 24th of October, 2024, offers an excellent platform for you to showcase your brand to industry peers, international technology experts, the press, and the wider blockchain, Web3, IoT, Startup Ecosystem and Investors, and AI, XR &Metaverse community.
Exhibiting or sponsoring this event will help your business tap into unique opportunities while increasing brand awareness.
Find out more: https://digitalnigeria.gov.ng/
Get Inspired
Watch: This interesting panel session by The World Economic Forum on How to Prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Another good watch is this conversation on How To Maximize AI's Potential In Africa hosted by Moonshot by Tech Cabal
Read: We got Featured on Tech Cabal: Can 3MTT turn Nigeria into a global tech talent powerhouse?
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