The integration enables users to access PayPal-supported cross-border payments directly through Paga’s digital wallet, allowing them to receive international payments and withdraw funds locally in Naira.

With this integration, users in Nigeria can link their PayPal accounts directly to their Paga wallets to receive cross-border payments from PayPal supported markets, shop with global PayPal merchants, and access their funds locally.

The service also enables Nigerian merchants and entrepreneurs to reach PayPal’s global network of over 400 million users worldwide, and grow their businesses internationally.

Through Paga, users can easily access their PayPal balances and withdraw funds across everyday financial needs, including spending via card, transferring to local bank accounts, or paying bills and merchants within the Paga ecosystem, providing a seamless bridge between global earnings and local use. The collaboration strengthens Nigeria’s financial services ecosystem by promoting cross-border commerce, empowering merchants and small business growth, and supporting the country’s digital economic infrastructure.

“We are proud to make this integration live and available to users across Nigeria,” said Tayo Oviosu, Founder and Group CEO of Paga. “Whether you’re a freelancer receiving international payments, a business selling online, or a consumer shopping globally, this collaboration makes it easier to access and use global funds locally, in a way that’s simple, secure, and built for our markets.”

“We’ve been intentional about partnering with local innovators like Paga and developing solutions that help Nigerians earn, spend, and grow,” said Otto Williams, senior vice president, regional head and general manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa. “This collaboration helps strengthen the broader payments ecosystem by supporting local innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and enabling more consumers and businesses to participate confidently in the digital economy.”

Nigeria’s digital payments market continues to expand rapidly, with transaction values reaching ₦657.8 trillion in 2023 and more than 30 million active mobile wallet users, according to Novatia Consulting, 2024 report.

With over 21 million users and a fast-growing API infrastructure, Paga is uniquely positioned to scale PayPal’s services to both consumers and businesses across the country, leveraging its local settlement network, digital wallet, and Visa card integrations positioning it as a secure and trusted local partner for cross-border digital payments.

How to access PayPal Services in Nigeria via Paga

To access PayPal services through Paga, users can log in to the Paga app or the website, link their PayPal account, and start receiving international payments into their Paga wallet and use those funds to pay bills, transfer to bank accounts, or shop online.

• Continuous learning is essential for staying relevant in the tech space.
• AI is creating demand for job roles such as ethical AI managers.
• Adaptability is essential as professionals must unlearn outdated methods and learn new trends.
• Blockchain adoption and sustainable tech will top 2025’s innovation priorities.

The global technology market is predicted to surpass $6 trillion by 2025, driven by growth in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cybersecurity, and extended reality. 

Yet, this progress makes the challenges even more obvious, particularly for tech professionals striving to stay relevant in an industry where innovation is the norm.

In the third edition of Techeconomy Business Series titled Major Lessons for Techies in 2024 and Projections for 2025, experts in the tech field reflected on top lessons from 2024 and shared forward-looking insights for 2025. 

Moderated by Chidera Amuta, marketing manager at Vendorcredit, the panel included Chinedu Otutu, software engineer at Greenplaces, Adanne Anene, product lead at Branch International Financial Services Temitope Orilua, founder of Digital Business Nigeria, and Gerald Konwea, founder of Spottr.

These experts dissected the year’s major technological advancements and forecasted trends that will have huge impacts in 2025.

2024: A Year of Rapid Advancements and Challenges

Adapting to Technological Growth

Chinedu Otutu started by highlighting the quick pace of technological innovation in 2024. “The swift evolution of technologies like generative AI and cloud computing has made it essential for professionals to engage in continuous learning,” he said. 

Otutu identified some challenges that need to be dealt with in the sector, including integrating new technologies with legacy systems and addressing cybersecurity threats.

“Cybersecurity has become of highest priority,” he stated, explaining how organisations must implement strong measures to protect data integrity and flexible work models to sustain productivity in remote environments. 

“Effective collaboration in virtual environments is still a challenge, but tools like Slack, Trello, and Zoom will help in ensuring team cohesion,” Otutu added.

“Refactoring codebases and upgrading software versions require both technical expertise and strategic foresight.”

To prepare for 2025, Otutu proposed a focus on resilience and adaptability. “Companies must adopt hybrid work models and invest in talent development to bridge skill gaps and retain top professionals,” he said.

AI’s Impact in the Workplace

Adanne Anene shared her observations on AI’s growing influence, especially in changing job roles. “In 2024, we’ve seen how AI can replicate tasks previously thought to require human ingenuity,” she said. 

Anene noted that roles like product management and UI/UX design are now being augmented by AI tools capable of generating designs and prototypes with simple prompts.

“Nobody is indispensable,” Anene stated, urging techies to differentiate their skillsets from what machines can replicate. She also predicted an increased demand for roles like ethical AI managers, stating, “These professionals ensure AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly. Such roles will be in high demand in the coming years.”

The Integration of Digital Ecosystems and AI in Business Solutions 

Speaking at the Techeconomy Business Series, Temitope Orilua brought up a different perspective, particularly regarding digital marketing and AI integration. “Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have completely altered how we interact with information and technology,” he said, noting Google’s shift toward providing summarised search results as a direct response to AI competition.

“Google’s shift to providing summarised results shows how traditional systems are adapting to customer demands for direct, instant answers.”

Orilua advised tech professionals to prioritise adaptability. “Unlearning and relearning will be the mantra for 2025,” he asserted. 

He also anticipated that AI integration would greatly impact financial transactions. “We’re heading towards a time where users will chat with their banking apps like they would with ChatGPT, making processes seamless and intuitive. That’s where we’re heading in 2025.”

Consumer Experiences

Gerald Konwea focused on innovations that improve user experiences. Speaking about Spottr, his consumer-focused platform, he said, “Our goal is to connect users with authentic products and reliable sources efficiently.” 

He explained how Spottr leverages blockchain technology to fight counterfeit goods while also providing real-time price comparisons.

Konwea predicted that blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption will grow significantly in 2025, driven by political endorsements and market demand. “Cryptocurrency payments will become mainstream, and blockchain solutions will enhance transparency across industries,” he said.

“Techies who can merge technical skills with an understanding of environmental and social governance will be invaluable”

Key Lessons from 2024

The panel identified the following critical lessons for tech professionals:

1. Continuous Learning Is Non-Negotiable
   “The pace of innovation means staying stagnant is not an option,” Otutu said. He encouraged professionals to specialise in emerging fields like advanced cryptography and machine learning.
2. AI Requires Ethical Oversight
   “As AI tools become more powerful, ethical considerations will become top priority,” Anene noted.
3. Flexibility Is Essential
   Orilua stressed the need for adaptability. “Professionals must be open to unlearning outdated methods and adopting new ones,” he said.
4. Skill Development Must Be Prioritised
   Konwea emphasised the importance of bridging the skill gap. “Upskilling and reskilling are essential for staying competitive in this evolving industry,” he said.

Projections for 2025

The discussion concluded with predictions for 2025:

• Increased AI Integration
  Orilua forecasted that generative AI would play a very important role in automation and customer interaction, particularly in finance and e-commerce.
• Anene predicted that ethical AI managers will be in high demand in the coming years.
• Growth in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
  Konwea highlighted the prospect for blockchain to completely change sectors like supply chain and finance, with cryptocurrency becoming a preferred payment method.
• Sustainability as a Focus
  Otutu predicted a rise in tech solutions addressing environmental challenges. “Sustainable technologies will not just be a trend but a necessity,” he asserted.

The insights from the Techeconomy Business Series stress the need for resilience, adaptability, and innovation in catching up with the fast-evolving tech industry. 

2025 is here, and tech professionals must not be left out. Continuous learning, prioritising ethical AI practices, and developing solutions that address global challenges must be the focus.

In second place is Wham!’s timeless hit Last Christmas, followed by Ariana Grande’s Santa Tell Me in third.

According to the latest research, All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey remains the top-earning Christmas song on Spotify.

The report by music experts at Playlist Name AI reveals the Christmas classics that are not only spreading holiday cheer but also earning the most on Spotify. With millions of streams each year, these festive tracks have become staples of holiday playlists worldwide, generating significant income for their artists.

Spotify pays between $0.003 and $0.0055 per stream, and the figure used to calculate the earnings in this list was $0.004 per stream.

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

Streams: 1,826,313,167
Earnings: $7,305,252.67

Mariah Carey’s 1994 classic reigns supreme, with over 1.8 billion streams and more than $7.3 million in earnings. The song has become synonymous with the holiday season, cementing Carey’s title as the “Queen of Christmas.”

2. Last Christmas – Wham!

Streams: 1,529,472,059
Earnings: $6,117,888.24

Wham!’s nostalgic holiday heartbreak anthem takes second place, bringing in over $6.1 million. Originally released in 1984, it remains one of the most beloved Christmas songs worldwide.

3. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande

Streams: 1,060,142,749
Earnings: $4,240,571.00

Ariana Grande’s modern holiday tune has resonated with younger listeners, amassing over 1 billion streams and earning more than $4.2 million since its 2014 release.

Top 10 Highest-Earning Christmas Songs on Spotify

4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Streams: 1,020,122,290
Earnings: $4,080,489.16

Brenda Lee’s 1958 hit continues to rock around the holiday charts, bringing in over $4 million in earnings, thanks to its catchy and timeless appeal.

5. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé

Streams: 1,006,784,877
Earnings: $4,027,139.51

Michael Bublé’s rendition of this holiday classic has become a seasonal favorite, generating more than $4 million in earnings. His warm vocals have made him a staple of holiday playlists.

6. Snowman – Sia

Streams: 979,028,286
Earnings: $3,916,113.14

Sia’s whimsical and heartfelt Snowman has earned nearly $4 million, resonating with fans who appreciate a fresh take on holiday music.

7. Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Bublé

Streams: 619,643,185
Earnings: $2,478,572.74

Another hit for Michael Bublé, his version of Holly Jolly Christmas has added a jolly $2.4 million to his holiday earnings, solidifying his place in festive music.

8. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

Streams: 573,465,742
Earnings: $2,293,862.97

John Lennon’s heartfelt message of peace continues to earn over $2.2 million, reminding listeners of the holiday season’s deeper meaning beyond festivities.

9. Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band-Aid

Streams: 566,303,095
Earnings: $2,265,212.38

Band-Aid’s charitable anthem brings in over $2.2 million in earnings, a testament to the song’s powerful message and enduring popularity since its release in 1984.

10. Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes

Streams: 538,627,709
Earnings: $2,154,510.84

The Ronettes’ iconic version of Sleigh Ride rounds out the top 10, with over half a billion streams and more than $2.1 million in earnings, making it a timeless addition to holiday playlists.

A spokesperson from Playlist Name AI commented, “These top-earning Christmas songs showcase both the enduring appeal of classic holiday music and the rising popularity of newer hits. As streaming continues to grow, these festive favorites are likely to keep spreading cheer—and generating significant earnings—each holiday season.”   

While a 39% year-on-year drop in overall funding might seem alarming, several promising trends deserve applause. The number of African startups raising at least $100k funding remained stable, and the average deal size even held steady. 

This suggests that investors remain interested in Africa’s potential, even if they’re tightening their belts.

Interestingly, there was a surge in debt financing, with 47% YoY growth. Debt now constitutes 38% of all funding raised, up from 16% in 2022. This prompts questions about the sustainability of debt-driven growth and its implications for the financial health of African startups.

Discussion Points:

1. Sustainability of Debt-Driven Growth:

Is the reliance on debt a sustainable strategy for African startups?

While debt can be a valuable tool for expansion, sustainability depends on factors like interest rates, repayment terms, and the startup’s ability to generate consistent revenue. African startups need to balance debt with a sound business model and clear repayment plans.

What risks and challenges come with debt financing, and how can startups sail through them?

Risks include interest rate fluctuations, economic downturns, and potential challenges in servicing debt. Startups can scale these by conducting thorough risk assessments, negotiating favourable terms, and ensuring revenue streams are resilient to market changes.

The need for solid and comprehensive business models and revenue streams to service debts.

Successful debt-driven growth requires startups to focus on building comprehensive, scalable business models. A diversified revenue stream ensures consistent cash flow, supporting the ability to meet debt obligations.

2. VCs’ Risk-Averse Behaviour:

Does the decline in equity funding indicate a growing risk aversion among traditional venture capitalists?

VCS may be becoming more risk-averse, possibly due to global economic uncertainties. Startups may need to showcase both innovation and a clear path to profitability to attract traditional venture capital.

How might this impact early-stage startups seeking funding for innovation and growth?

Early-stage startups may face increased challenges in securing funding from traditional VCs. This emphasises the importance of exploring alternative financing options, such as angel investors or crowdfunding, and demonstrating a strong value proposition.

The importance of fostering an environment that supports risk-taking and innovation.

To maintain a growing startup ecosystem, it’s important to create an environment that encourages risk-taking. Supportive policies, mentorship programs, and collaboration between industry stakeholders can foster innovation.

3. Opportunities in Alternative Financing:

What alternative financing options can emerge to complement the rise in debt funding?

Angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and government grants represent potential alternative financing sources. Encouraging diversity in funding options can provide startups with more flexibility and resilience.

The potential roles of angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and government grants in diversifying funding sources.

Angel investors bring capital and also mentorship as well as networks. Crowdfunding platforms modify access to funding, while government grants can support strategic initiatives aligned with national goals. Diversification promotes a good and adaptive funding ecosystem.

The necessity of creating an ecosystem that encourages a variety of funding mechanisms.

A diverse funding sector is essential for the sustained growth of startups. Encouraging partnerships between public and private sectors, promoting investor education, and simplifying regulatory processes can contribute to a more dynamic financing environment.

Looking ahead to 2024, I believe the African startup ecosystem will continue to adapt and thrive. Here are some of my predictions and hopes for the new year:

Increased Focus on Profitability:

• With equity access becoming more challenging, startups will prioritise building sustainable businesses with strong unit economics.
• The shift towards profitability and customer value as key success metrics.

The Rise of Fintech and Blockchain:

• Anticipating a surge in startups leveraging fintech and blockchain to enhance financial services in Africa.
• Innovations that enhance accessibility and inclusivity in financial sectors.

Regional Collaboration:

• Recognising the potential benefits of increased collaboration across borders.
• Development of shared infrastructure, knowledge exchange, and cross-border partnerships to overcome resource limitations.

The challenges of 2023 are big lessons and pointers to help walk through 2024.

A breakdown of the appropriation bill 2024 of N28.7 trillion:

1. Capital Expenditure — N9.99 Trillion (35%)
2. Recurrent Expenditures — N8.77 Trillion (30%)
3. Statutory Transfers — N1.74 Trillion (6%)
4. Debt Service – N8.27 Trillion (29%)

How FG plans to fund the budget 2024:

The Tinubu’s government planned the budget on the assumption that:

1. Oil price benchmark will remain at $77.96 per barrel
2. Oil Production Rate will be 1.78 million barrels per day
3. Exchange rate will remain at N800 to $1, and
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will be 3.88%

President Tinubu Signs the appropriate bill 2024:

Speaking at the signing of the bill, the President assured Nigerians that the implementation of the 2024 budget would be efficiently pursued and vigorously monitored, adding: “All the institutional mechanisms shall be held to account in ensuring diligent implementation”.

“All MDA’s have been directed to take responsibility and provide monthly Budget Performance Reports to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which in turn shall ensure the veracity of such. The Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy shall hold regular reviews with the Economic Management Team and, in addition, I shall Chair periodic Economic Coordination Council meetings,” he said.

The top priorities of the 2024 budget of N28.7 trillion are defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, improved investment environment, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

The President emphasized that his commitment to enhance investment promotion while creating a rules-based society that favours no individual over the law begins with important reforms in the Nigerian judiciary, the funding for which is captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

“Funding the judiciary is a major element in our effort to support a just, rules-based society. Statutory transfer to the Judiciary has been increased from 165 billion naira to 342 billion naira,” the President said.

Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, and Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, were present at the signing.

Other senior government officials present at the brief ceremony include: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

In 2024, the global cybersecurity landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation, with the proliferation of AI-driven threats taking centre stage.

Adversarial machine learning, where attackers manipulate AI algorithms, is anticipated to become more prevalent, challenging traditional defence mechanisms.

Context-aware attacks are also expected to rise, showcasing a heightened level of sophistication as cyber threats adapt their strategies based on specific environments and security measures.

In 2024, an alarming trend on the cybersecurity horizon is the potential misuse of advanced language models, such as ChatGPT, by cybercriminals.

As these models become more sophisticated, there’s a risk of threat actors employing them to craft highly convincing phishing messages, social engineering tactics, and even automated attacks that exploit human-like interactions.

Cybercriminals will continue to leverage ChatGPT to generate realistic-sounding emails or messages, making it challenging for individuals to discern between legitimate and malicious communications. This poses a significant challenge for traditional email filtering and security measures.

2024 evolving threat landscape will include the ominous use of AI for crafting malware, posing an increased risk to organizations.

Malicious actors leveraging AI to design sophisticated and evasive malware will further strain cybersecurity defences, demanding innovative strategies to detect and neutralize these AI-generated threats.

Additionally, the threat of AI-driven Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks looms large. Cyber attackers are likely to exploit AI to orchestrate more complex and adaptive DDoS assaults, overwhelming organizations’ online infrastructure.

This necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity, incorporating advanced AI defences capable of swiftly identifying and mitigating evolving DDoS threats.

Deepfakes, powered by AI, are anticipated to pose a significant challenge to individuals and organizations alike.

The potential for cybercriminals to use AI to create highly convincing and deceptive multimedia content raises concerns about the authenticity of digital information.

Addressing this threat requires the integration of sophisticated AI-based detection mechanisms to identify and mitigate the impact of deepfakes on various fronts, including misinformation and reputational damage.

Furthermore, we foresee an increase in the use of AI in romance scams, highlighting the risk of cybercriminals leveraging advanced technology to manipulate and deceive individuals.

AI-driven chatbots and social engineering tactics will be employed to create highly convincing and personalized scams, making it difficult for individuals to discern between genuine and malicious interactions.

To counter these multifaceted AI-driven threats, organizations should adopt comprehensive AI-centric defence strategies.

Real-time threat intelligence, machine learning integration into threat hunting processes, and collaboration within the cybersecurity community will be crucial elements in staying ahead of evolving threats.

Implementing advanced NLP models to distinguish between genuine and AI-generated content, along with continuous monitoring and adaptation of security protocols, will be essential in mitigating risks associated with AI in crafting malware, orchestrating DDoS attacks, generating deepfakes, and executing romance scams.

The cybersecurity landscape in 2024 will witness a complex interplay between defenders and adversaries, with AI at the forefront of both offense and defence in the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity.

Written by: Remi Afon, the Founder, Lynsec Cyber Security & GoLeget Africa.

Ranging from commendable AI developments to space exploration, layoffs, shutdowns and the dynamic metaverse, the year has left us with a wealth of experiences to draw upon as we gaze into the year 2024.

Stars of the Show

Generative AI

Generative AI took the spotlight in 2023, with models like Bard and GPT-4 demonstrating their capabilities in storytelling, music composition, and code generation. OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 and Google’s Imagen shook the world with photorealistic creations, sparking ethical debates on deepfakes and copyright concerns.

SpaceTech Takes Flight

Space exploration reached new heights as SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Shepard captured imaginations worldwide. The James Webb Space Telescope unveiled cosmic wonders, while private companies like Axiom Space set ambitious goals for moon bases, infusing a new development in space travel.

Metaverse Mania

The metaverse continued to enthral, with Meta’s massive investment driving its vision of a digital space. However, concerns about privacy, security, and addiction cast shadows on the metaverse’s future, demanding responsible development.

The Crypto Cauldron

The cryptocurrency market faced challenges in 2023, with the collapse of TerraUSD and the FTX scandal, among other crypto companies, exposing vulnerabilities. Regulatory scrutiny heightened, emphasising the need for a stable and secure crypto landscape.

Layoffs

Layoffs were a phenomenon that held on tight to 2022 and didn’t let go in 2023. With a focus on the global space, tech giants like Meta, GitHub, Spotify, Microsoft Amazon and many more were not left out in this, so imagine how hard the technological and economic impact hit hard, of course, it wasn’t all the fault of an economic downturn. Some reported restructuring as the reason, while others said the department wasn’t needed anymore. 

In Africa, companies like Chipper Cash, Kippa, Twiga Foods, Alerzo, among others also laid off staff due to similar reasons.

Shutdown

Pivo, Dash, 54gene, Bundle Africa, Pillow Nigeria, Vibra and several others, shutdown and several others shutdown operations this year. Some of the news were surprising as funds were raised shortly before the happenings. Regulatory challenges, financial and economic downturn were also the forces behind some of these shutdowns.

Lessons Learned

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

While AI showcased its unique potential, the year revealed the need for responsible development and ethical frameworks. Balancing innovation with safeguards is key to ensuring AI benefits humanity without unintended consequences.

Privacy Paradox

The convenience of technology often comes at the expense of privacy. Striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding personal data requires transparency, control, and robust privacy measures.

Sustainability in the Spotlight

The tech industry’s environmental impact faced scrutiny, urging companies to adopt sustainable practices. From reducing e-waste to minimising carbon footprints, the call for eco-friendly tech solutions was a key highlight.

Layoffs, Shutdowns and Backups 

Always have a backup plan! Overconfidence in your current job can push you underway. Start something for yourself in 2024, you never can tell what’s coming.

When it comes to shutdowns, we could say adequate management is key in every aspect of the business, but policies and regulatory conditions also hit a business hard when not favourable or too many gigantic processes for a business to thrive. These and several other aspects are what a company should put in continuous check.

Fears for 2024

Layoffs and Shutdown Continuous Upheaval 

Let’s start with the layoffs and shutdowns. This is one major fear employees and employers have aptly in their minds right now. It was massive in 2023, what should we expect in 2024? 

Raising funds is not the solution, because there are over a million things that could swallow up a company’s funds. So, pay attention to your management capabilities in every aspect of the business; staff management, regulatory management, among others. 

The Deepfake Deluge

As AI advances, the threat of deepfakes undermining trust and manipulating public opinion grows. Enhanced fact-checking mechanisms and media literacy are essential to combat this evolving challenge.

The Great Algorithm Divide

The digital divide, marked by unequal access to technology, threatens to widen. Addressing this gap requires targeted initiatives and equitable distribution of resources to ensure technology benefits all.

The Cyber Cold War

Geopolitical tensions spilt into the digital sector, with cyberattacks and espionage becoming more commonplace. International cooperation and responsible technology use are essential to prevent cyberwarfare escalation.

Hopes for 2024

AI for Good

Leveraging AI’s power to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and disease presents an optimistic vision. Envision AI-powered robots cleaning oceans and algorithms predicting natural disasters for the betterment of humanity.

Democratisation of Tech

Open-source platforms and accessible tools can empower individuals and communities globally. Envision a world where everyone, regardless of background, contributes to and benefits from the tech revolution.

Human-Centered Tech

Technology should enhance human lives, prioritising well-being and fostering connections. Designing tech solutions with a human-centric approach ensures a positive impact on society.

Nigerian Tech Focus

Nigerian Tech Takes Off

Fintech Flourishes

Nigeria’s fintech scene soared, with companies like PalmPay, Interswitch, Termii, OnePipe, Nomba, Flutterwave, Cowrywise, among others doing exploits in the sector and driving digital payment adoption.

E-commerce Soars

Jumia and Konga fueled the e-commerce growth, with record-breaking transactions during Black Friday 2023.

Local Content Takes Center Stage

“Made in Nigeria” tech initiatives gained traction, with companies like Andela and Ingressive expanding talent pools and training programs.

Global Stars, Nigerian Impact

Generative AI Takes Root

Local startups like Kibo, uLesson, Healthtracka and many others explored AI applications in education, healthcare, and agriculture, contributing to Nigeria’s tech sector.

Lessons Learned for the Nigerian Tech Space

Bridging the Digital Divide

Efforts like the National Broadband Plan aim to connect all Nigerians, ensuring equitable participation in the digital economy.

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

Supportive environments for startups, including funding, mentorship, and innovation-friendly regulations, are vital for sustainable growth.

Investing in Local Talent

STEM education, coding bootcamps, and reskilling programs are essential to equip Nigerians with future-proof skills.

Fears for 2024

Cybersecurity Threats

Growing online transactions demand strengthened cybersecurity infrastructure and increased digital literacy to prevent cybercrime.

Data Privacy Concerns

Robust data protection laws and transparency from tech companies are essential to address concerns about privacy and misuse.

Talent Drain

Retaining local talent requires competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and a sense of purpose within the Nigerian tech ecosystem.

Hopes for 2024

Tech for Good

AI-powered solutions in healthcare and innovative uses of tech, like drones for disaster relief, can address social and environmental challenges.

Global Recognition

Increased collaboration with international partners and showcasing local success stories can attract investments and elevate Nigeria’s tech globally.

Inclusive Innovation

Prioritising solutions for marginalised communities ensures a truly inclusive digital future for Nigeria.