The Imo State Government has launched a groundbreaking digital platform, ImoTalentHub.com, aimed at connecting thousands of local tech talents with international job markets.
Governor Hope Uzodimma unveiled the initiative as part of the administration’s broader Skill Up Imo programme, launched in 2022 to digitize the state’s economy and curb youth involvement in cybercrime and cultism.
The platform is built through a partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, and the U.S. Market Access Center. According to the state, the initiative targets the placement of 100,000 tech-trained youths in paid international roles by 2026.
“This platform is a gateway for Imo’s young minds, software developers, AI engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and digital designers—to connect with global employers in innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, London, Dubai, and Lagos,” Governor Uzodimma said during the launch.
With over 40,000 learners already graduated from Skill Up Imo, the state now boasts one of the largest pools of tech-trained individuals in Nigeria. The goal is not only to create remote job opportunities but also to improve Nigeria’s digital economy and expand foreign earnings through tech exports.
The government said ImoTalentHub serves as a bridge between learning and employment by providing graduates with verified profiles, portfolio showcases, and access to blockchain-powered smart contracts.
These contracts are designed to automate identity verification (KYC), ensure escrow payment protection, and manage tax compliance seamlessly.
“This means that a fintech firm in London can hire a back-end engineer in Owerri as easily and securely as hiring locally,” a statement from the government reads. “Payments in pounds or dollars are processed through fully regulated channels, proving that Imo’s digital workforce is ready for the global market.”
The University of California, Berkeley, plays a central role in the academic development of the program. Professors from the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology have conducted bootcamps focused on ethical artificial intelligence and venture capital for participants in Imo. They are also supporting the creation of cloud labs equipped with NVIDIA GPUs at the upcoming Imo Digital City campus.
A Founder Development Programme co-created with UC Berkeley will also give startups in Imo direct access to global venture capital and internationally recognized certification.