Imo State, in partnership with UC Berkeley, launched Imo Talent Hub, a digital marketplace set up to promote and connect homegrown software engineers, data scientists, and designers with employers in London, Dubai, Silicon Valley, and other innovation centres worldwide.
Imo talent Hub is a sister program of Skill Up imo, which seeks to create over 100,000 imo trained technology professionals employed in the global economy by 2026. The initiative is partnered with the University of California, Berkeley, and the US Market Access Centre and is heavily promoted by the Imo state government.
Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that the government created the Imo Talent Hub project to continue the gradual transformation of Imo State from an analogue resource-based system to a digital economy.
Imo is moving decisively from an analogue economy to a digital future. By partnering with the University of California and the US Market Access Center, we are giving our young people the skills, networks, and confidence to launch world-class start-ups right here in Owerri. We aim to empower 300,000 residents over the next five years and link Imo’s tech ecosystem to global markets,” he said.
Dr Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, explained that Data generated by the hub would boost foreign earnings, inform smarter policy, and showcase Nigeria as a hub for global talents.
Chris Burry, Managing Director of the US Market Access Centre, expressed his delight with the initiative.
“We see in Imo the talent and determination that built Silicon Valley. Working alongside UC Berkeley and the state government, we will mentor the next generation of founders who can deliver solutions for Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.” He said.
The Imo Talent hub structure leverages AI to simplify the hiring process while providing a smooth financial structure for salary payments and an elaborate database of skilled personnel in Imo state.
Imo Talent Hub provides a diverse repository of Berkeley-trained tech talent for quick hiring and engagement for London employers battling the competitive search for global talent.
Officials believe the initiative would contribute significantly to Youth employment while diversifying the state’s exports from Oil and Agriculture to Human Capital.
