Organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Tech4Dev, Semicolon Africa, and Avaara Partners, the high-level gathering convened policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, and innovators to showcase Nigeria’s bold steps in linking education, skills, and employment for sustainable growth.

In her opening remarks, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, emphasized the government’s determination to deliver systemic workforce reform.

“The future of work demands bold action. Our ministry, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is investing in systems that prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of tomorrow, building bridges between skills providers, employers, and industries to ensure that no talent is left behind,” she stated.

Delivering the keynote, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to aligning education with labour market realities.

“Our vision is to ensure that every Nigerian learner is not only acquiring knowledge but also future-ready skills that unlock decent work opportunities. By strengthening the connection between classrooms and careers, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth and national prosperity,” he said.

The first high-level panel explored policy reforms, digital infrastructure, and opportunities in the creative and green economy.

Key contributors included Mr. Rimamskeb Nuhu, special assistant to the Vice President on Strategy and Policy; Moriam Ajaga, special adviser to the President on Art & Culture; Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, executive chairman, Presidential CNG Initiative; Olumbe Akinkugbe, executive director, Galaxy Backbone, and Sam Immanuel, CEO, Semicolon Africa.

A second panel examined skill-to-job linkages with insights from Rosy Fynn, country director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria; Victoria Strokova, program manager, Partnership for Economic Inclusion at HSPGE; Oladiwura Oladepo, executive director, Tech4Dev, and Sanyade Okoli, special adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy.

Mrs. Okoli stressed that reforms must translate into livelihoods:

“Finance must show up on payslips, not just in statistics. That is why we are linking innovation, credit, and social protection directly to employment outcomes, so that every investment fuels opportunities for young Nigerians.”

The event concluded with an interactive dialogue featuring youth voices, development partners, and private sector leaders. Discussions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to closing the training-to-employment gap, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and advancing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

By aligning education, skills development, and labour policies, Nigeria is not only positioning its youth for the jobs of tomorrow but also cementing its influence in shaping the global future of work.

Leaders and stakeholders gathered at the “Strengthening Workforce Systems for Economic Growth” event, hosted in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, NIMC, Tech4Dev, and global development partners.

A cross-section of distinguished women leaders and development practitioners driving conversations on building resilient workforce systems and creating inclusive pathways to jobs.

Government officials, private sector leaders, and international partners joined forces to reaffirm commitments to advancing workforce development, fostering collaboration, and positioning Nigeria’s labour force for global competitiveness

Organized by the Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative (Uzemi Africa), a registered non-profit organization, with the aim of preparing, promoting, and positioning women for leadership roles in technology.

Held at the Resource Center Ikorodu, the summit left an indelible mark on the realm of women in technology leadership, marking a pivotal moment for aspiring female leaders and those nurturing essential leadership skills.

The event featured thought leaders from government, the private sector, non-profits, and the diplomatic corps.

Olatomiwa Williams, founder of Uzemi Africa, emphasized the importance of supporting women in tech leadership roles, stating, “We are nurturing women that are coming into technology to grow into leadership positions. We need to ensure that women also have the right support to achieve this growth.”

She highlighted the need for mentorship and training programs, inclusive work environments, and advocacy for policies that address the unique challenges women face.

By creating networks and communities, and promoting diverse perspectives, we can build a more innovative and resilient tech industry.

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, CEO of Rise Network, delivered an electrifying keynote on “Leading with AI: Women Pioneering Tomorrow’s Technology,” emphasizing the need for upskilling.

She remarked, “Artificial influence is not what will take your job; it’s the person that knows artificial intelligence that will take your job. The question is, what are you doing to upskill and reskill yourself?” She stressed the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, especially for women aspiring to lead in AI. By taking advantage of resources and training programs, women can position themselves as pioneers in the tech industry, driving innovation and shaping the future. Her call to action urged everyone to proactively seek opportunities for growth to stay competitive and relevant.

Goodwill messages were conveyed by the Lagos State Commissioners of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada; Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; and Innovation, Science, and Technology, Tubosun Alake.

Tubosun Alake encouraged women to cultivate patience and seize opportunities, stating, “Always seize the moment and the opportunities it brings. consistency and patience are key to excelling in your field.”

A panel session, moderated by Oluwamuyemi Orimolade, included insights from thought leaders Kenise Hill, Omonigho Aito-Imonah, Shoyinka Shodunke, and Chinazo Anebelundu on navigating tech careers and thriving in the AI era.

The summit also featured contributions from Sonny Iroche, Chairman of GenAI Learning Concepts Ltd; Dr. William Tsuma from UNDP; and Michael John, Country Manager for Tech4Dev, highlighting opportunities for young people in Nigeria.

Breakout sessions catered to various attendee levels, offering practical advice on building tech leadership skills. Where resource persons for this session included; Yejide Aina, Ochuko Ege, Azeez Omosun and Micheal John.

The event concluded with an award ceremony and raffle draw, celebrating and rewarding outstanding community members.

With over 100 participants, the initiative which targeted small and micro-enterprise owners, aimed to address the growing need for financial education and digital security in an increasingly online business environment with these business owners gaining valuable insights into financial planning, budgeting, cybersecurity, and safe online payment practices through a series of practical sessions and interactive activities.

The workshop also placed special emphasis on advancing gender inclusion, highlighting the need for financial literacy and cyber hygiene as tools to empower vulnerable groups, particularly women.

According to organizers, the initiative is crucial in addressing the low levels of financial literacy that persist in many parts of the world, especially Nigeria, which can hinder economic growth and financial inclusion.

Studies have shown that financial literacy is linked to improved access to basic financial services, formal savings, and overall economic development.

The workshop’s organizers also maintained that improving women’s financial literacy will enable them to make informed decisions, access financial services, and build wealth, ultimately contributing to gender equality and economic empowerment.

“Businesses are vital cogs in the wheels of economic growth, development and job creation. Financial literacy is key to achieving social and economic inclusion, particularly for women seeing that when women understand financial concepts, they are better equipped to manage their finances, access financial services, and build wealth. This in turn gives them the impetus to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute more significantly to the economy,” said Tosin Eniolorunda, group CEO, Moniepoint Inc. 

He added that;

”Against the backdrop of our recently launched Informal Economy Report, there is a need to provide a platform for ensuring that many businesses can survive and thrive beyond the five-year mark considering that eighty percent of businesses especially those in the informal sector have been operating for less than five years. Also, the link between financial literacy and financial inclusion has become an international policy concern, this is our own way of contributing to the conversation, powering the dreams of this vulnerable group and doing what needs to be done to support Nigeria’s socio-economic aspirations.”

Innocent Isichei, managing partner, ACIOE Associates, an advisory services firm providing a rich suite of solutions across various sectors noted that;

“Businesswomen and PWLDs are especially vulnerable to online threats. By building a secure digital ‘fortress,’ women can confidently navigate the online environment, safeguard their businesses, and leverage technology for growth. Beyond online safety, achieving economic empowerment for women requires addressing significant financial literacy and access challenges.”

Furthermore he said that “these challenges include limited financial knowledge, restricted access to credit, societal barriers, and gender-based discrimination within the financial sector.

ACIOE Associates recognizes these critical needs and that’s why we have partnered with Moniepoint and Tech4Dev to offer this comprehensive two-day workshop.”

Via a series of practical sessions, participants learned essential skills in budgeting, saving, and investment strategies tailored to small business needs.

The program also covered vital cyber hygiene practices to protect businesses from data breaches, phishing scams, and malware attacks while learning how to leverage technology for business expansion while maintaining a secure online presence.

The participants lauded the organizers for their demonstrated commitment to supporting the economic empowerment of women and PLWDs, by equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital and complex economy.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general of NITDA, in his opening remarks, emphasised the critical role of digital literacy skills in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

He highlighted the NDLF as a comprehensive roadmap developed by NITDA, in collaboration with key stakeholders to equip Nigerians with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the digital age.

Inuwa, who was represented by Dr. Falilat Jimoh, of the Digital Inclusion Unit of the  Agency’s South West Zonal Office (SWZO), asserted that the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education were underscored, focusing on integrating the framework’s provisions into the national school curriculum.

“This initiative aims to equip students from a young age with foundational digital skills essential for future success,” he noted.

Furthermore, he mentioned that NITDA’s partnership with GIZ/DTC is fostered to establish robust standards for digital literacy content, ensuring high-quality and relevant learning materials aligned with the NDLF’s objectives.

Inuwa stressed that NITDA’s commitment to digital inclusion extends beyond formal education, with ongoing digital literacy programs targeting women, artisans, and other underserved segments of the society.

He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that the framework enables the implementation of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, 2024–2027 pillars, “Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents”.

“The SRAP 2.0 is a living document that is being redrafted to align with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy policy document “Accelerating Our Collective Responsibility”, which has Five strategic pillars namely, Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital, and Trade.

According to the NITDA boss, these programs aim to empower individuals to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and access online opportunities.

“This resonates with the Knowledge pillar of the Ministry tailored to accelerate the collective responsibilities of all stakeholders towards achieving inclusivity in all its dimensions which supports the Renewed Hope Agenda that is focused on propelling the Nigerian economy and enhancing the welfare of its citizens”, he said.

Hence, he stated that the workshop goal is to create widespread awareness about the NDLF through interactive sessions and discussions, providing stakeholders with a deeper understanding of its components, target audiences, and potential impact on bridging the digital divide among Nigerians.

Additionally, the Director-General emphasised the importance of collective action in the successful implementation of the NDLF, expressing gratitude for the collaboration with partners and the participation of stakeholders. He affirmed that the significance of tailoring the framework to the specific needs of Nigeria’s diverse population is to achieve maximum effectiveness.

In conclusion, Inuwa expressed confidence that the NDLF, coupled with collaborative efforts, will play a pivotal role in empowering Nigerians with the digital skills necessary to actively participate in the digital economy, and access online information and opportunities while contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society. He then urged participants to continue collaborations to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s digital future.

Earlier, Dr. Thuweba Diwani the Commission Manager GIZ/DTC Nigeria in her opening remarks delivered by Olusegun Alimi, the Technical Advisor, GIZ/DTC Nigeria, anticipated that the awareness session would be an avenue to dialogue and come up with a “Participatory Policy Implementation Framework (PPIF)” he added, “for policies to be sustainable they need to be owned by the people”.

The Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria (DTC Nigeria) is a project funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

It focuses on digitalization, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, aiming to enhance the country’s digital innovation ecosystem and boost its capacity for adopting digital innovations for economic and societal growth.

Other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the dialogue were, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Lagos Public Private Partnership (PPP), Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), also, the private sectors represented were MTN Foundation, CISCO, Tech4Dev, Fate Foundation among others.

The moderator, Mr. Tayo Olosunde an ecosystem industry enthusiast affirmed that the stakeholders’ sessions had also been held in Kano and Abuja.

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.

This initiative, a partnership between Tech4DevHQ, NITDA, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, aims to achieve a 70% digital literacy rate in Nigeria by 2027, aligning with President Buhari’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the economy through technology.

The DigitalforAll Challenge 2.0 is designed to increase digital literacy across Nigeria by providing free digital skill-building competitions and programs. Divided into two phases, the challenge comprises a training phase and a competition phase, with beneficiaries required to undergo assessment to qualify for the latter.

Benefits

The program offers benefits across three categories:

• Young Learners between the ages of 12 to 18

• Youth Category (Ages 19-45), and

• Civil Servants.

Winners and runners-up in each category stand a chance to receive cash prizes, laptops, tablets, and other consolation prizes.

• Young Learners & Youth Category: Winners receive cash prizes ranging from N10 million to N15 million, with the first and second runners-up receiving consolation prizes.

• Civil Servants: Eligible civil servants completing the training and receiving certification from the basic digital skilling program stand to benefit from the competition.

Eligibility

Young Learners Category:

• Age: 8 – 18 years.

• Must be a student in primary or secondary school.

• Completion of training and passing the basic digital literacy assessment are prerequisites for competition qualification.

• Only actively employed teachers can register schools and students.

Youth Category:

• Age: 19 – 45 years.

• Completion of training and certification from the challenge’s basic or advanced digital skilling program is mandatory.

Civil Servants Category:

• Must be a civil servant.

• Completion of training and certification from the basic digital skilling program is necessary.

How to Apply

The DigitalforAll Challenge 2.0 represents a key opportunity for Nigerians to enhance their digital skills, compete, and emerge as leaders in the digital age. Apply to join the challenge.

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.