President Bola Tinubu assured Mastercard Chief Executive Michael Miebach today that Nigerian youths are “tech-savvy, eager to learn, and ready to integrate into the global digital economy.”
The President remarked during a meeting with the Mastercard team at the State House, Abuja. He said Nigeria’s young population is the country’s biggest asset for innovation, fintech, and digital trade.
*What Tinubu told Mastercard*
1. *Youth potential*: The President said over 60% of Nigerians are under 30, and they’re already building apps, coding, freelancing, and running digital businesses. “They only need access, training, and the right partnerships,” he stated.
2. *Digital economy push*: He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding broadband, improving power supply, and strengthening cybersecurity. Goal: make Nigeria a hub for fintech and digital services in Africa.
3. *Partnership call*: Tinubu urged Mastercard to deepen investments in skills training, payment infrastructure, and youth entrepreneurship programs. He said the government will create an enabling environment for global tech players.
Michael Miebach commended Nigeria’s young talent and the government’s reforms. He said Mastercard is interested in expanding financial inclusion, digital payments, and upskilling initiatives across Nigeria.
The Mastercard CEO noted that Nigeria’s fintech space is already attracting global attention, with startups solving real problems in payments, credit, and cross-border trade. He pledged more collaboration on education programs that equip youths with digital and financial skills.
*Why this meeting matters*
1. *Jobs + skills*: Nigeria has one of the world’s largest youth populations, but unemployment remains high. Tech partnerships like this target job creation through digital skills and remote work.
2. *Fintech growth*: Mastercard’s presence could boost cashless payments, support SMEs, and help more Nigerians access global markets.
3. *Global positioning*: Tinubu is selling Nigeria as Africa’s next tech frontier to investors. Mastercard’s buy-in signals confidence in that pitch.
The message from the State House today was clear: Nigeria isn’t just asking for investment — it’s offering a workforce that’s young, digital, and ready. For Mastercard, it’s access to millions of new users. For Nigerian youths, it could mean more training, more jobs, and more chances to compete globally.
Tinubu closed the meeting by saying: “Give our youths the tools, and they will shock the world.”
