A new initiative to bridge the global shortage of cloud computing professionals has commenced in Kwara State, with 30 youths beginning training under the Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start programme.

The programme, launched on Monday through a collaboration between AWS, IHS Nigeria and the Kwara State Government, is designed to equip unemployed and underemployed youths with practical cloud computing skills for entry-level careers in the global technology industry.

The participants, drawn from different backgrounds, will undergo three months of cohort-based training combining technical instruction, professional skills development and career support, with opportunities to connect with employers in the cloud computing ecosystem.

Speaking at the launch, the Specialist, Global IT Systems Security and Cloud Infrastructure Administration at IHS Nigeria, Habeeb Salawu, described the initiative as "another milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria's digital economy by investing in human capital."

According to him, innovation can only thrive on the foundation of reliable infrastructure, sustainable investment and skilled manpower, adding that IHS Nigeria remains committed to expanding digital inclusion across the country.

"This initiative represents another important milestone in our journey to drive innovation and equip young Nigerians with the digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

"At IHS Nigeria, we understand that innovation cannot thrive in isolation. It requires a solid foundation built on reliable infrastructure, sustainable investment and human capacity. This is why we are enabling connectivity, empowering communities and building Nigeria's digital future," he said.

Salawu explained that IHS Nigeria, a member of the global IHS Towers Group, currently owns and manages about 16,000 telecommunications towers in Nigeria and has deployed more than 15,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure nationwide.

He said the infrastructure supports millions of Nigerians daily by providing the backbone for voice, broadband and data services while enabling businesses and start-ups to expand their digital operations.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Salawu noted that cloud computing is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, creating a significant demand for skilled professionals.

He cited research by talent intelligence platform Draup, which showed that while 7.8 million cloud-related jobs had been advertised across 45 countries, there were only about 2.8 million qualified cloud professionals, leaving a global shortage of approximately five million workers.

"The AWS re/Start programme is designed to bridge that gap. It helps unemployed and underemployed individuals build cloud computing skills and launch careers in cloud technology," he added.

Also speaking, facilitator Reungeler Lucas said the AWS re/Start initiative had already connected more than 30,000 learners with employment opportunities.

He explained that the programme was specifically designed to reskill individuals from diverse backgrounds for entry-level cloud roles, including cloud administration, cloud operations, site reliability engineering and infrastructure support.

The Director of Programmes at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Zumah Yahaya, described the launch as a major step towards making world-class digital skills accessible to young people in Kwara State.

She noted that the hub was established not merely as a physical facility but as a centre for transforming lives through technology and innovation.

"For too long, world-class cloud computing expertise was a luxury exclusive to Lagos or Silicon Valley. Today, we are bringing the global digital economy home to the heart of Kwara State," she said.

Yahaya commended IHS Nigeria and AWS for investing in the potential of Nigerian youths by offering the programme free of charge.

"They are not just sponsoring a curriculum; they are investing in the untapped potential of Nigerian youths. They believe you are the architects of our digital future," she added.

One of the participants, Fatima Bello, a student of the University of Ilorin, said she enrolled in the programme to become a certified AWS Cloud Practitioner and gain practical knowledge of cloud infrastructure and architecture.

"I also want to connect with like-minded individuals who are genuinely interested in cloud computing," she said.