Nigeria pitches 3MTT talent, seeks US investment in cables, data centres

Nigeria is seeking deeper technology ties with the United States by promoting its three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme to American companies while pushing for fresh investment in submarine cables and data centres to strengthen the country’s digital economy.

The move followed a meeting between Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Frank Garcia, the United States assistant secretary of State for African Affairs. Their discussions centred on expanding cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), trade and talent development.

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Tijani said both sides explored opportunities to attract more investment into critical digital infrastructure, particularly submarine cables and data centres, which are becoming increasingly important as internet usage, cloud computing and AI services grow across Africa.

The minister also said Nigeria wants more American companies to engage with and recruit skilled workers from the government’s 3MTT programme. The initiative aims to train three million Nigerians with digital and technical skills to meet growing local and global demand for technology talent.

Industry experts say the discussions come at a time when countries are competing to attract investments in AI infrastructure and digital services. Nigeria is positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading technology markets by combining a large pool of young talent with policies designed to attract foreign investors.

The talks also covered the adoption of AI to improve productivity across sectors of the economy, including public services and private businesses. Stronger collaboration with US technology companies could help Nigeria accelerate AI adoption while creating new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Another key area of discussion was the possibility of creating a government-to-government framework that could reduce trade barriers and encourage more business between both countries. Such an arrangement could make it easier for American technology firms to invest in Nigeria while giving Nigerian businesses greater access to US markets.

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The meeting reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy of moving beyond traditional diplomatic relations towards partnerships focused on technology, innovation and investment. The government believes stronger cooperation with the United States can help attract capital, create high-value jobs for young Nigerians and improve the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

For the United States, closer engagement with Nigeria also offers access to Africa’s largest economy, a fast-growing digital market and an expanding pool of skilled technology professionals. As global demand for AI infrastructure and digital talent rises, both countries stand to benefit from stronger collaboration in these areas.