Lagos: iCreate Africa has sealed a strategic partnership with Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft, marking a significant step toward enhancing vocational training, youth empowerment, and industrial collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.
This is contained in a statement on Friday by Mr Bright Jaja, Chief Executive Officer of iCreate Africa.
The agreement was reached during the 2025 German-Nigerian Bi-National Commission, where iCreate Africa joined Nigeria’s official business delegation to promote industrial cooperation and youth empowerment.
At a high-level business forum held on the sidelines of the commission, Jaja represented Nigeria’s private sector.
He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afrika-Verein, represented by its Deputy CEO, Ms Claudia Voß, to strengthen ties between both organisations.
Jaja noted that the partnership would deepen vocational training, technology transfer, and job creation through shared expertise and sustainable initiatives.
“This MoU opens the door for German investors to participate in Africa’s skills revolution actively.
“By collaborating on our Skills Institute and The Builders Show, we aim to transform vocational training across Africa,” Jaja said.
He described Afrika-Verein as a key organisation representing more than 400 German companies committed to strengthening trade, investment, and industrial cooperation with African nations.
According to him, the collaboration reflects a shared vision to drive economic progress through innovation, human capital development, and private-sector engagement.
Jaja noted that iCreate Africa’s participation in the official Nigerian delegation demonstrates the organisation’s growing influence in promoting workforce development and entrepreneurship across the continent.
He added that iCreate Africa’s initiatives align closely with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education, youth employment, and human capital growth as tools for national transformation.
“Our mission complements Nigeria’s broader development goals by equipping young people with employable skills and preparing them for emerging industries,” Jaja said.
He commended the Nigerian government’s recent youth empowerment policies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has provided zero-interest loans to more than 624,000 students.
“These measures show Nigeria’s commitment to empowering its youth and ensuring our labour force is ready for global opportunities. Nigeria is open for business with a skilled generation,” Jaja stated.
Present at the Bi-National Commission were senior government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb: Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
The delegation engaged with German stakeholders on investment opportunities and reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness and attracting sustainable foreign partnerships.
Tuggar noted that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s ‘Grey List’ had restored investor confidence and improved transaction transparency.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to fostering a stable, transparent, and business-friendly environment for investors.
The inclusion of iCreate Africa in the delegation reinforced the vital role of public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s renewed push for economic diplomacy and skill-based growth.
Jaja also commended Tuggar’s leadership in strengthening international partnerships and economic diplomacy.
“The Minister’s vision has been instrumental in transforming goodwill into tangible collaborations. iCreate Africa stands ready to support such global initiatives that empower Africa’s youth,” Jaja said.
The forum ended with a shared commitment between Nigeria and Germany to deepen cooperation in education, vocational training, and industrial innovation for sustainable development.
iCreate Africa is a social enterprise that promotes youth skills education and training across Africa, working to bridge the continent’s skills gap and prepare young people for the future of work.
