Benue State’s push to create jobs through digital transformation comes at a critical time for both Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The Benue State Government is actively seeking collaborations with regional and international organizations to create jobs for its citizens, with a strong focus on opportunities in the digital space.

Speaking at the 3rd African Job Creation Forum held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 7-9 July 2025, the Managing Director of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Mr. Terwase Gbande — representing the state government — emphasized Benue’s commitment to building a resilient digital economy that empowers youth, creates sustainable jobs, and enhances governance.

Organized by the African Union, the Government of Ethiopia, and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the forum brings together pan-African stakeholders committed to accelerating job creation through digital transformation, trade integration, and infrastructure development across the continent.

The forum’s focus strongly supports BDIC’s mission to build a robust digital economy that drives sustainable job creation, empowers young people, and strengthens governance. Discussions emphasized a key takeaway: Africa’s progress depends on shared digital infrastructure, inclusive innovation, and open, borderless opportunities.

For Benue, this translates to fast-tracking broadband rollout, developing e-governance systems, implementing smart agriculture technologies, and broadening digital skills training. According to a joint report by the World Bank and the IFC, by 2030, 35–45% of all jobs in Nigeria will require some level of digital skills. Notably, most of this demand will come from roles outside traditional ICT fields, as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies, underscoring the urgent need for broad-based digital training initiatives like those being pursued in Benue State.

Hikmatu Bilali