Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where its youth are not just passive consumers of technology but are actively shaping the country’s digital future.
With the largest population in Africa, over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 25, making the youth a significant demographic force. Of the population, 70% are under 30 years old, and 42% are under 15.
This means that Nigeria is home to about 151 million young people, with a median age of 18.1. These young Nigerians are clicking across political, tribal, and religious divides, engaging with any digital device clickable, and transforming their realities through technology.
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In Nigeria, the digital revolution is not just a global phenomenon; it is a lived experience for millions of young people. Over 40% of Nigerians have access to the internet, with a significant proportion being young people aged 15 to 24.
This demographic is at the forefront of digital adoption, using social media, mobile applications, and other digital platforms to engage in entrepreneurial activities, education, and civic participation.
However, this digital uptake is not without challenges. Disparities in access to technology, particularly in rural areas, and among young women, highlight the ongoing digital divide.
While urban centres like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt experience higher levels of connectivity, many rural communities lag, limiting opportunities for the youth in these areas to fully engage in the digital economy.
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Globally, digital technologies are recognized as pivotal in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From mobile banking systems that promote financial inclusion to e-learning platforms that democratize education, digital transformation is integral to achieving these global targets.
While in Nigeria, the potential of digital technologies to contribute to the SDGs is vast. For instance, digital agriculture initiatives are helping young farmers increase productivity and access broader markets, directly contributing to goals such as zero hunger (SDG 2) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
Moreover, data generated from digital interactions is proving to be a goldmine for evidence-based decision-making. In Nigeria, organizations and government bodies are increasingly leveraging big data to monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programs, ensuring more targeted and efficient implementation of development initiatives.
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The Role of Nigerian Youth in Digital Innovation
Nigerian youth are not just participants in the digital economy; they are innovators and change-makers. From tech startups in Yaba, Lagos’ Silicon Valley, to young developers creating apps that address local challenges, Nigerian youth are harnessing technology to drive progress.
Initiatives like the Andela training program, which equips young Africans with software development skills, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s entrepreneurship program, which supports young entrepreneurs, are a testament to the role of youth in digital innovation.
However, to fully realize the potential of these young digital innovators, there is an urgent need to address the digital divide. Enhancing digital inclusion, particularly for young women and those in rural areas, is critical.
Policies and programs that focus on expanding internet access, providing digital literacy training, and supporting young entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and networks will be key to ensuring that all Nigerian youth can contribute to and benefit from the digital economy.
Looking Ahead: The 2030 Agenda and Beyond
As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the role of young people, particularly in countries like Nigeria, cannot be overstated. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” underscores the importance of digital adoption and innovation led by youth. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and drive change through digital technologies will be crucial in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
In Nigeria, supporting youth in their digital journeys will not only accelerate the achievement of the SDGs but also ensure that the country remains competitive in the global digital economy.
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