The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy has officially launched the 3MTT Partner Network at a high-profile showcase event in Lagos, attended by a European Union delegation, senior government officials, and leading private sector and development partners from across Nigeria and beyond.

The launch marks a pivotal moment for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, transitioning from a high-impact national initiative into a structured, scalable talent infrastructure and backed by the European Union.

The European Union’s support for the programme was announced at the event, with a senior EU representative acknowledging Nigeria’s emergence as a reference model for large-scale digital talent development in Africa and affirming the significance of the partnership for both regions.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani stated:
“Today is not the end of a chapter; it is the opening of a new one. The 3MTT Partner Network gives structure to the relationships that have powered this programme and creates a front door for every organisation that wants to be part of what comes next. Nigeria is building the talent infrastructure that Africa needs. We are doing it now, and we are doing it with purpose.”

The event brought together FMCIDE leadership, existing programme partners, prospective partners from across the private sector, development community, government and civil society, and selected 3MTT fellows who shared first-hand accounts of their journeys through the programme.

The 3MTT Partner Network brings together some of Nigeria’s most influential private sector organisations alongside global technology leaders, all united by a shared commitment to building Nigeria’s digital talent at scale. Current partners include MTN, Microsoft, Google, Airtel, and Moniepoint, among others.

Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, speaking at the event, stated: “The EU has committed to 3MTT together with Member States and EU companies as a key part of its Digital Package in Nigeria. Nigerian talent matters globally.”

The launch marks the transition of 3MTT’s partner relationships from ad hoc engagements to a permanent, accountable framework designed to power the programme’s next phase of scale.