Imo State Unveils Africa’s First State-Backed Digital Talent Hub to Connect Tech Professionals with Global Markets

In a groundbreaking move to position Imo State as a global technology hub, Governor Hope Uzodimma has launched ImoTalentHub.com, Africa’s first state-supported digital talent marketplace. The platform aims to connect the state’s growing number of trained tech professionals — including software engineers, data scientists, and designers — with employers in global innovation centers such as Lagos, London, Dubai, and Silicon Valley.

The digital marketplace is a key feature of the governor’s flagship Skill Up Imo program and was developed in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley and the US Market Access Center. The initiative seeks to place 100,000 Imo-based tech talents in high-paying global roles by 2026.

Since its launch in 2022, Skill Up Imo has already trained over 40,000 youths in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, and UI/UX design. Now, with the launch of ImoTalentHub, these graduates can convert their skills into meaningful opportunities. The platform offers verified professional profiles, portfolio showcases, and integrated smart contracts that handle payments, taxes, and compliance — allowing seamless cross-border hiring. For instance, a fintech company in London can now hire a back-end engineer in Owerri just as easily as hiring locally, with secure payment options in foreign currencies.

The academic and technical core of the initiative is powered by UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, which has helped establish NVIDIA-powered cloud labs and delivered training sessions on venture capital, ethical AI, and digital entrepreneurship at the new Imo Digital City. A Founder Development Program, which pairs Berkeley certification with venture capital support, is also underway.

Governor Uzodimma described the initiative as a deliberate move away from resource dependence to a knowledge-based economy. “Imo is decisively transitioning from an analogue economy to a digital future,” he stated. “By partnering with UC Berkeley and the US Market Access Center, we are equipping our youth with the tools to build global tech startups right here in Owerri.”

The state aims to empower 300,000 residents over five years and integrate Imo’s tech ecosystem with global networks. Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, noted that data insights from the platform would inform government policy, attract foreign investment, and demonstrate Nigeria’s potential to export top-tier digital talent.

Chris Burry, Managing Director of the US Market Access Center, highlighted the international promise of the initiative, saying, “Imo has the same spirit and capability that built Silicon Valley. We’re excited to help shape the next generation of global tech founders from here.”

ImoTalentHub is built as a comprehensive talent ecosystem — equipped with AI-powered job matching, secure escrow services, earnings dashboards, employer APIs for bulk hiring, and a vibrant mentorship network. Transparency is key, with anonymized hiring and payment data regularly published to build trust and guide improvements.

Beyond boosting employment, the platform is expected to drive foreign remittances, enhance diaspora engagement, and promote collaboration between local and international businesses through joint innovation labs and remote work models. Skill Up Imo, which remains free for state residents, is also expanding to cover emerging fields such as blockchain, health tech, and climate data analytics.

Ultimately, the state aims to build Africa’s largest digital talent directory, shifting Imo’s main exports from raw materials to high-value human capital — and positioning Owerri as a premier tech and innovation hub on the continent.