Zarttalent, a foundation committed to advancing digital literacy and tech education in Nigeria, is equipping the country’s youth with the skills needed for global tech careers. The foundation recently hosted the “How to Win With Tech Summit,” bringing together students, educators, tech enthusiasts, and key industry leaders to explore technology’s role in shaping the future.
Nelson Ajulo, CEO of Zarttalent, emphasized the importance of technology in creating job opportunities and global career paths for Nigerian youth. He highlighted that the skills gap between university education and the demands of today’s job market contributes to Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate.
“The goal of education is to prepare students with skills for a meaningful livelihood. Yet, the challenge in Nigeria is a misalignment between university training and the skills required by today’s economy,” Ajulo said. “By introducing in-demand tech skills, we are empowering young Nigerians to gain expertise that sets them apart in a rapidly digitizing world.”
Sonia Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment, and Healthcare at the Netherlands Consulate in Lagos, also spoke on the potential of tech-based skills to drive economic growth. She urged attendees to consider digital entrepreneurship as a means of addressing local challenges and fostering community-driven solutions.
In her keynote, Fajusigbe shared practical strategies for using technology as a tool for youth empowerment, underscoring its ability to create new opportunities in both employment and entrepreneurship.
Over the next five years, Zarttalent aims to empower over 5,000 students, providing them with competitive tech skills that open doors to job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and innovative solutions to real-world challenges. As Nigeria faces record-high youth unemployment, the summit focused on building sustainable career pathways for young people, preparing them to thrive in a tech-driven economy where digital skills are essential.
Zarttalent’s programs include training in areas such as Data Analysis, Cloud Engineering, Frontend and Backend Development, Project Management, and UI/UX Design, all designed to equip Nigeria’s youth with the tools they need to succeed in the global tech landscape.