The Data Immersed Founder Urges Nigeria and Africa to Invest in Digital Skills for AI Opportunities
Nnamani Daberechi Anne says Africa must develop more skilled professionals capable of building and applying emerging technologies if the continent wants to compete in the global digital economy.
The founder of The Data Immersed (TDI), Nnamani Daberechi Anne, has called on Nigeria and other African countries to increase investment in digital skills development, warning that the continent risks missing opportunities in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) economy without a skilled workforce.
She made the call after the second edition of the TDI Tech Summit in Lagos, where technology professionals, startups, entrepreneurs, young innovators and other industry stakeholders discussed Africa's readiness for the next phase of the global digital economy.
According to Anne, the ability of African countries to compete will depend not only on access to technology but also on the number of people equipped to develop, manage and apply it.
Digital skills are becoming an economic priority
Artificial intelligence and data are increasingly influencing industries, business operations and decision-making worldwide.
However, having access to AI tools does not automatically mean a country can benefit economically from them. Businesses and governments also need people with the technical knowledge to develop solutions, analyse information and apply emerging technologies to real-world problems.
Anne stressed that Nigeria and other African nations must prepare their young populations to participate actively in this transformation rather than remain consumers of technologies developed elsewhere.
She argued that sustained investment in technology education, professional development and practical training would help more Africans access opportunities in the digital economy.
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The Data Immersed focuses on practical technology training
Through The Data Immersed, Anne is working to address the gap between young people's interest in technology and the practical skills required to build careers in the industry.
The organisation provides learning opportunities in areas including data analytics and artificial intelligence, using training, mentorship, hands-on projects and industry engagement.
Its programmes are designed to help aspiring technology professionals develop practical knowledge and connect their learning to potential career opportunities.
Anne's own transition from microbiology into the technology industry also reflects how people from non-technology academic backgrounds can develop skills and pursue careers in the digital sector.
Why Africa needs to develop its own technology talent
Africa's growing young population presents an opportunity to build a stronger digital workforce, but that opportunity requires deliberate investment.
Without accessible training and pathways into employment, many young people may struggle to turn their interest in technology into practical expertise.
Investment in digital skills could help African businesses access local talent, encourage innovation and develop solutions that address challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and financial services.
It could also help the continent capture more economic value from emerging technologies instead of depending heavily on imported expertise and solutions.
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From technology adoption to technology creation
Anne's message reflects a broader challenge facing African economies: moving from adopting digital tools to developing the people and capabilities needed to create technology.
For Nigeria, this means strengthening digital education, supporting technology communities, expanding access to practical training and building stronger connections between educational institutions, businesses and the technology industry.
As AI continues to reshape the global economy, the countries that invest in talent development today will be better positioned to participate in tomorrow's technology opportunities.
Do you think Nigeria is doing enough to prepare young people for careers in AI, data analytics and other emerging technology fields? Share your thoughts in the comments.