THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Nigeria and Germany are deepening their economic collaboration through initiatives aimed at enhancing vocational training, fostering skilled migration and stimulating investment opportunities. A recent meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and a delegation from Germany’s IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry underscored these efforts.
Dr Oduwole highlighted the alignment between Germany’s initiatives and Nigeria’s strategic priorities, particularly in youth empowerment and vocational training, when the German delegation paid her a courtesy visit on Monday in Abuja. She emphasized the National Talent Export Programme, which seeks to scale up Nigerian youth involvement in vocational training and managed skilled migration. This program aims to position Nigeria’s young, skilled workforce to meet Germany’s increasing demand for skilled labour, creating structured migration pathways that benefit both nations.
Leading the German delegation, Dr Matthias Leder, President of the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the mutual benefits of continued cooperation. He extended an invitation to Nigeria to participate in the upcoming “World Meets in Giessen” conference, scheduled for 21-22 May 2025 in Giessen, Germany. The conference aims to connect global businesses in a B2B format, providing a platform for companies worldwide to network and explore investment opportunities.
“We offer a B2B conference where companies from all over the world can come to Giessen to network and pitch. To support these companies, we also invite honourable ministers, ambassadors and consul generals, as these excellencies serve as the perfect door openers to enter a foreign market,” he said.
Dr Leder also highlighted the success of the German-supported dual-vocational training system already implemented in some Nigerian cities. This system, which combines theoretical education with practical, on-the-job experience, could significantly reduce youth unemployment, he said.
“We have already implemented this in Nigeria, in Abuja, Abeokuta and Lagos, and it was successful. More than 95 per cent of the apprentices in these three locations received job offers,” he shared.
“We are convinced that this is a key factor for Nigeria’s development and growth,” he added.
The partnership between Nigeria and Germany is poised to create long-term economic opportunities, focusing on workforce development, improved labour mobility and increased investment. This collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, generate employment for its youthful population and attract international businesses eager to tap into the country’s growing market.
In his remarks, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud and former Minister of Information, who was present at the meeting, underscored the importance of cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized that the dual vocational training initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Talent Export Programme, launched by President Bola Tinubu, which aims to harness the country’s skilled workforce and connect them with global employment opportunities.
The enhanced partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging vocational training and skills development as catalysts for economic growth and job creation, benefiting both Nigeria and Germany.
Kola Tella
