SUSTAIN: A Global Talent Initiative to Accelerate Opportunities for Young
Nigerians in Europe
SUSTAIN is a pioneering skilled labour mobility programme designed to connect young Nigerian professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields with career opportunities in Europe. The initiative aims to facilitate knowledge and talent exchange between Nigeria, Germany and Ireland.
Under the framework of the project, 240 participants will be selected to take part and matched with STEM jobs in Germany and Ireland. Participants will receive comprehensive training to ensure a smooth transition and support their integration. This includes online training courses on soft skills, cultural orientation and career guidance to prepare skilled migrants for labour migration and increase their employment potential.
Addressing labour market needs
SUSTAIN aims to address the shortage of STEM professionals in Europe by recruiting global talent. In Europe, almost half of businesses are struggling to recruit people with the STEM skills they need. According to the European Commission, the EU needs an additional two million professionals in science and engineering.
SUSTAIN will benefit Nigeria, Europe and the talented professionals who move. The initiative addresses temporary skills shortages in Europe, while Nigeria benefits from knowledge transfer, remittances, and stronger trade connections. Participants gain skills, connections and valuable experiences that they can apply in Nigeria and globally.
A scalable talent model
SUSTAIN will pilot a scalable migration model aligned with private sector needs, providing tailored training, migration support, and long-term strategic planning for talent cultivation. It aims to foster sustainable economic growth globally and promote mutually beneficial talent partnerships between the EU and Nigeria. The project is implemented by Seefar and co-funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) of ICMPD.
The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of Seefar and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.