Tech4Dev is a leading non-profit organization (NGO) dedicated to leveraging technology for development and create access to decent for Africans,

John, a seasoned social impact strategist brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. Having joined Tech4Dev over three years ago as a Senior Programs Manager, he has played a pivotal role in orchestrating program design, development, and execution across 22 African countries.

His dedication and leadership have ensured seamless alignment with both internal and external stakeholder expectations.

John’s rise within Tech4Dev is a testament to his dedication and leadership skills. He rose to the position of Senior Business Manager, working directly alongside Oladiwura Oladepo, Tech4Dev’s co-founder and executive director.

In his new role as Country Manager, John will be responsible for driving all Tech4Dev’s operations in Nigeria and 21 other African countries.

He will spearhead the development and implementation of strategic growth plans and collaboration with key ecosystem stakeholders across the continent. A central goal of John’s position will be to solidify Tech4Dev as the leading digital skilling organization on the continent and improve the livelihood outcomes for people across Africa by the end of the calendar year.

“I am incredibly honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility,” says John. ” There is so much potential to unlock for Nigeria and Africa, particularly in the context of the Digital Economy and its profound impact across various economic sectors. Our focus on Digital Skilling, Job Placement, and Research and Policy pillars has revealed converging points that underscore the necessity for a transformative approach to drive economic prosperity and enhance our preparedness for the future of work. I am excited about the prospects that lie ahead and eagerly look forward to collaborating with our partners across the continent to achieve these goals.”

Joel Ogunsola, founder and president, Tech4Dev, says he confident John in his current capacity would take the organisation to the summit, “Working with John for the last three years has been nothing short of amazing. I am extremely confident of the change and growth Tech4Dev will experience under his leadership.”

Tech4Dev as a social enterprise, creates access to decent work and opportunities for Africans through digital skills empowerment and advocacy.

Inuwa made this known while delivering a Keynote Address at the Launch of the skilling competition initiative.

He said, “our collective mission is clear as we launch this programme as a complimentary efforts  toward achieving a 70% digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027”.

“DigitalForAll Initiative is  a visionary programme poised to shape the future of our nation and  we also intend to use our Digital Nigeria platform for the final competition of the programme”, Inuwa noted.

The DG who seized the opportunity to elaborately explain the eight Pillars in the redrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) of the Agency which he enumerated to include: Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA are critical cornerstones that seek to address the strategic challenges identified in realising the Agency’s mandates, mission, and values.

Inuwa while noting that the document will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2024, describes the competition as a well thought out programme and a commitment to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge and proficiency needed to navigate and excel in the digital landscape.

“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that digital literacy is not just about skilling  people; it is about empowering them to unleash their full potential”. “It is about providing opportunities for growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world; that is what this programme is poised to achieve”.

According to the DG, “Our Key Objectives of the DigitalForAll Initiative hinge on  Inclusive Digital Literacy, Accessible Learning Platforms, Public-Private Partnerships, Measurable Impact, and  Awards”.

“For us to succeed, therefore, collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and communities cannot be overemphasised”.

“Together, we will create a ripple effect of change that transcends barriers, bringing digital literacy to the forefront of our national development”, the Director-General assured.

While extending gratitude to all the partners, sponsors, and individuals who have joined hands to make the “DigitalForAll Initiative” a reality, Inuwa urged all parties to embark on the challenge journey with enthusiasm, determination, and a shared vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria.

“We commit to a future where digital empowerment knows no bounds, and every Nigerian is equipped to thrive in the digital age”, Inuwa concluded.

Earlier, Joel Ogunsola, the founder, Tech4Dev, while welcoming guests and giving an overview of the DigitalForAllChallenge, made it known that a total of One Hundred and Fifty (150) Million Naira will be  won  across the different categories as prizes.

“We believe and are driven by the fact that every Nigerian deserves the right to digital literacy and skills for the future of work”

“There are very intentional efforts by NITDA  to invest in the sustainability of this initiative for the long run”, Mr Ogunsola stressed.

Ogunsola went on to inform the audience that there will be essentially, the state level challenges, regional; at the geopolitical level, and the grand finale which will be held on NITDA’s Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition Day.

“The challenge has two phases, the training and competition phases. After the first, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the second phase”, the Founder espoused.

The initiative by Tech4Dev and in partnership with NITDA and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is arguably Africa’s largest digital skilling competition, designed to reward self-development and encourage the acquisition and use of digital skills through competitive incentives.

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.

The session themed, “Harnessing Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Building Economic Prosperity Through Digital Inclusion,” aims to raise awareness of the critical importance of digital inclusion, particularly in underprivileged communities in Africa. 

At the event, renowned panelists from Microsoft and the American Tower Corporation will contribute their expertise to the discussion on methods to close the digital divide. The panel’s goals include highlighting real-world partnerships, identifying obstacles to digital access, and investigating the potential for the digital economy to create jobs.  

Their observations will be centered on how important digital inclusion is to sustained global growth, innovation, and development. Additionally, they will stress the urgent need to close the digital divide, which disproportionately affects regions with limited resources and services and worsens problems like unemployment and underemployment.  

Panelists for the event include Kirsten Young, Director of Sustainability Programs at the American Tower Corporation; David Hartshorn, Chief Executive Officer of Geeks Without Frontiers; Mark Clack, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy at Oxfam and  Tobosun Alake, Commissioner of Ministry of Science and Technology, Lagos State Government. The panel would be moderated by Oladiwura Oladepo, Executive Director, Tech4Dev. 

Salima Monmorah bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Sierra Leone is the Keynote Speaker for the event while Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Nigeria will give the goodwill message.  

Joel Ogunsola, Founder and President at Tech4Dev, who will deliver the welcome speech commented on the significance of digital inclusion in Africa’s development, “Digital inclusion is not just about technology; it’s about empowering people, especially our youth, to shape their destinies. 

“By equipping them with digital skills and opportunities, we’re not only building a thriving digital economy but also fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. Africa’s future is digital, and our youth are at the forefront of this transformative journey.” 

This event promises to be a significant milestone in the journey toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all communities, especially in Africa, can reap the benefits of the digital age.