AI Strategy to Combat Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

A Serious Look at AI and Opportunity in Nigeria.

By: Joseph James Udoh |Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | May 3, 2025

Nigeria's persistent unemployment challenge, particularly among its youth, necessitates innovative solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool poised to reshape the nation's employment landscape.

EMPOWERING THE YOUTH THROUGH AI EDUCATION

Recognizing the potential of AI, the Nigerian government, via the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has unveiled a draft National AI Strategy. This ambitious plan aims to equip 70% of the young workforce (ages 16–35) with AI-related skills, targeting a five-percentage-point reduction in unemployment. The strategy emphasizes the importance of technical skills, innovation management, and other context-dependent competencies to drive AI adoption and initiatives.

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP

To address the shortage of AI professionals, initiatives are underway to train 25,000 educators who will, in turn, teach 125,000 youths about AI technologies. This effort is bolstered by a ₦2.8 billion grant from Google to Data Science Nigeria, facilitating advanced technical training in data science and AI for 20,000 young Nigerians.

AI-POWERED FREELANCING: A NEW FRONTIER

AI-driven freelancing platforms are revolutionizing the job market by connecting Nigerian talent to global opportunities. These platforms utilize AI to match freelancers with projects, validate skills, and ensure secure payments, thereby expanding access to international markets. Such models are projected to generate up to 10 million digital jobs in Africa by 2030.

ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY THROUGH AI

AI's capabilities extend to predicting job market trends, enabling educational institutions to tailor curricula that align with industry demands. AI-driven platforms can also streamline recruitment processes, matching job seekers with suitable positions based on their skills and experiences.

In Conclusion, by integrating AI into education, fostering AI-powered freelancing, and leveraging AI for job matching, Nigeria can create a more dynamic and inclusive job market. These strategies not only address unemployment but also position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

Tags: #Joseph James Udoh #AI For Jobs Nigeria #Empower Youth With AI #Digital Skills Training #AI Innovation Nigeria #Future Of Work

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