Did you know Nigeria’s youth population has a median age of 18 years?
Approximately 50% of the population is under 30, and 42% is under the age of 15.
That’s why AIA’s Global Jobs for Africa Policy & Practice Lab headed out to Lagos to host an inspiring gathering of battle-hardened talent export organizations working across Nigeria and beyond.
And what an education it was!
We explored the unique dynamics of East and West African labor markets, learning how donors—and even weather patterns—unexpectedly shape workforce incentives. We also gained an in-depth view of the initiatives the Nigerian government is championing to create a supportive environment for youth employment.
The range of global remote job opportunities is extensive, spanning roles from data entry and virtual assistants to legal and accounting associates. We witnessed firsthand the eagerness of young Nigerians to seize these opportunities and upskill quickly, especially when training is hands-on and market-driven.
In a lively debate, we discussed the best business models for Africa’s emerging workforce in the AI era. The consensus? Africa needs all decent jobs, across sectors and skill levels, to support its growing youth population.
Looking ahead, several key initiatives will be crucial in scaling up global job-matching efforts. These include establishing a unified skills matrix, developing tools to assess durable skills, strengthening industry associations, and building robust connections with the Nigerian diaspora. As always, we aim to help both public and private funders make more impactful investments in these initiatives.
During our downtime, we immersed ourselves in Nigeria’s vibrant culture—from the intricate art and bold fashion to the unforgettable, spicy cuisine.
Thank you, Nigeria! We’re with you, and we’ll be back.
Sources:
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/08/youngest-populations-africa
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/02/mapped-the-median-age-of-the-population-on-every-continent/
https://www.unfpa.org/data/world-population/NG