To address the youth unemployment crisis in Africa, Tech4Dev, a non-profit organisation, recently launched a business process outsourcing (BPO) social enterprise, Taltrix.
This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities for 100,000 young Africans over the next seven years. The launch of Taltrix is the result of a strategic partnership between Tech4Dev, global tech giant Microsoft, Impact Hub Lagos, Univelcity and the American Tower Corporation.
Tech4Dev operates with a core mission of upskilling young individuals and connecting them to job opportunities using technology as a catalyst. Focused on addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment on the continent, the organisation has a broad reach, currently active in 22 African countries and the United States.
Joel Ogunsola, CEO of Taltrix, shared insights into the vision behind the initiative during the launch. Ogunsola emphasised the multifaceted nature of the training program, stating, “This entire training program is not just on the tech side, we anticipate every other type of career.” Ogunsola highlighted the demographic challenge faced by Africa, where 70% of the population falls within the employable age group of 17 to 24, posing a significant risk if not effectively addressed.
Oladiwura Oladepo, Executive Director, Tech4Dev, shared some insights about the launch, “Taltrix is not just about filling job roles, we are investing in human capital development to reduce unemployment and underemployment, which will in turn drive economic growth, and shape a brighter future for Africa. We are also building a bridge to connect underserved unrepresented and underrepresented demographics of young people with globally in-demand opportunities for skilled professionals.”
The collaboration between Tech4Dev and Microsoft is key in shaping the Taltrix initiative. Ogunsola credited Microsoft’s commitment to investing in the gig economy and emphasised its significant contributions to human capital development over the past eight years. He noted, “Amongst all the multinationals, you have in any country, they probably have the largest workforce, largest investments in infrastructure, largest investment in people.”
Ogunsola further highlighted the importance of connecting skilled individuals to employment opportunities, a gap that Taltrix aims to bridge. He drew parallels with successful outsourcing models in countries like India, where the sector has become a major driver of economic growth. Taltrix envisions creating a scalable solution that not only addresses unemployment but also contributes to the growth of a $200 billion outsourcing industry on the continent.
Ola Williams, the General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana, shared insights into Microsoft’s role in the initiative. Ola Williams highlighted Microsoft’s significant investments in Nigeria, dating back over 20 years. The company has evolved from a three-person team to nearly 200 employees, with a focus on empowering individuals and organisations.
Williams emphasised Microsoft’s commitment to training programs, stating, “In the last dispensation, we signed an MOU with the Nigerian government to skill 5 million Nigerians from basic IT training to advanced training, and also provide them employability opportunities.” She stressed the need for collaborative efforts between private organisations, like Taltrix, and the government to achieve impactful results in empowering individuals with the right opportunities.
Solape Hammond, the CEO of Impact Hub Lagos, expatiated on the role of Impact Hub in the Taltrix initiative. Impact Hub Lagos serves as a co-working space and innovation hub that aims to drive impact and innovation. Hammond shared her journey, reflecting on the vision to help Nigerian businesses grow and scale into global entities.
Hammond highlighted the importance of a coalition of the willing, where diverse stakeholders come together to create a significant impact. She envisioned Taltrix as both a provider of tech jobs and as a stimulator for overall development, creating opportunities for individuals across various sectors and regions of the country. She further pointed to the democratic nature of the initiative, which has the potential to spur development in every part of Nigeria, reducing the pressure on urban centres.
Joseph Agunbiade, Founder and CEO at Univelcity stated that “Univelcity, in collaboration with Taltrix by Tech4dev, is actively advancing the outsourcing of technology talent from across Nigeria. Our operations, firmly established in all six geopolitical zones of the country, enable us to tap into a diverse and rich talent pool. Our vision is to consistently provide A-class talent to meet global demands. Our association with Taltrix stands as a testament to our dedication and confidence in this endeavour.”
Soji Maurice Diya, the Chief Operating Officer of American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria, shed light on ATC’s involvement in the initiative, operating as a wireless infrastructure company with a focus on CSR programs. Diya discussed the “digital communities” program initiated by ATC, where the company set up learning centres nationwide. Tech4Dev played a key role in operationalising this CSR initiative.
Diya further noted the global trend of companies seeking opportunities for outsourcing at the local level. As the cost of labour in the West rises, there is a growing interest in leveraging local skills for tasks such as simulations and engineering. This presents an opportunity for individuals in Nigeria to bridge the gap and offer services at a competitive cost.
Joel Ogunsola conclusively noted that Taltrix is envisioned as a 10-year journey towards becoming the leading employer of talent on the continent. With infrastructure currently set up in 14 Nigerian states, Taltrix seeks to expand beyond this in the coming years, demonstrating the significant scale of the initiative. The ultimate goal is to create a new industry, not just jobs, with the potential to impact various sectors beyond technology.
The success of Taltrix will empower individuals and contribute to reshaping Africa’s economic sector for years to come.
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