NATEP marks one year with major policy wins, global partnerships for Nigeria’s services export sector
By Aboki Forex —
The National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) has celebrated its first anniversary since relaunch, recording key policy approvals, institutional reforms, and international alliances. The programme aims to position Nigeria as a global player in services exports.
Over the past 12 months, NATEP strengthened its role in workforce development and export-led growth. It laid the groundwork for Nigeria to compete in high-value digital and knowledge-based industries.
Federal Executive Council approves coordination mechanism
In November 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved the National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports (NCMSE). The framework improves coordination among government agencies. It aligns national policies with global digital trade standards and accelerates services export growth.
Since approval, the NCMSE brought together fragmented programmes under a unified agenda. Key organisations like NITDA, the Outsource To Nigeria Initiative, and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme now work closely to strengthen talent development and global competitiveness.
Nigeria joins WEF Global Accelerators Network
NATEP launched the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network in Lagos in partnership with the World Economic Forum. The initiative is co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Education, Africa Finance Corporation, and Flour Mills of Nigeria.
The launch formally integrates Nigeria into the WEF Global Accelerators Network. It creates a platform for government, private-sector leaders, and development partners to build a unified national workforce strategy.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said Nigeria is strategically placed to benefit from growing global demand for skilled talent and knowledge-based services. She noted that NATEP unlocks human capital, strengthens partnerships, and positions Nigerian professionals at the centre of global services trade.
International collaboration and financing framework
NATEP intensified international collaboration through the WEF’s Future of Jobs Survey. The programme activated a country-partner mandate to ensure Nigeria’s labour market realities reflect in global workforce assessments.
The programme also developed an innovative financing framework. It combines public-sector investment with outcomes-based private capital to fund workforce development sustainably.
In partnership with the Nigeria Outsourcing Association and Global Business Services stakeholders, NATEP supported efforts to align Nigeria’s outsourcing industry with international best practices.
Domestic progress on outsourcing policy
On the domestic front, progress continued on Nigeria’s National Outsourcing Policy. In March 2026, a zero draft was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for inter-ministerial review.
NATEP’s Technical Working Groups on demand, supply, and enabling environment established implementation plans and talent pathways. The Enabling Environment group adopted WTO/GATS taxonomy standards and identified five priority digital export sectors: Software and SaaS, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Fintech, and Business Process Outsourcing/IT-Enabled Services.
What’s next for NATEP
NATEP National Coordinator Teju Abisoye said the programme remains committed to positioning Nigeria as a premier global talent hub through policy reforms, partnerships, and workforce development.
In its second year, NATEP will focus on large-scale implementation. This includes operationalising a private sector-backed financing framework, advancing the National Outsourcing Policy through approval, and leveraging the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network to create export-linked jobs and attract investment.
With these foundations in place, NATEP aims to transform Nigeria’s talent pool into a major driver of economic growth, employment, and global competitiveness.