Highlights from Techeconomy Business Series 4:
- 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- Adaptability is essential as professionals must unlearn outdated methods and learn new trends.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:
- 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. - AI Requires Ethical Oversight
“As AI tools become more powerful, ethical considerations will become top priority,” Anene noted. - Flexibility Is Essential
Orilua stressed the need for adaptability. “Professionals must be open to unlearning outdated methods and adopting new ones,” he said. - 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.
