There’s no disputing that Nigeria has the largest population of youth. With a total population of approximately 200 million, the country is home to half of West Africa’s youth estimated at over 100 million, between the ages of 15 and 35. The potential this represents for achieving great strides in socioeconomic development is nowhere short of exponential. Being energetic and resourceful, young people hold the key to skills building and economic prosperity. Several factors are known to spur economic growth, and one of them is technology. Today, we’re just starting to witness the capabilities of 4.0 Technologies, so how can connectivity enable the potential of Nigeria’s youth?
According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, the Middle East and North Africa region is forecasted to reach nearly 200 million 5G subscriptions in 2027. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, 4G subscriptions grew by 26 per cent in 2021 and strong growth is expected to continue during 2022. Data traffic in sub-Saharan Africa is also forecasted to maintain an upward trajectory, as mobile broadband-capable devices become more accessible. Regulatory initiatives are being taken to make more spectrum available in key markets across Africa. This will enable access to mobile services for the larger part of the population, especially in rural areas that have traditionally been underserved.
To support this increase, Nigeria recently started rolling out 5G technology which will bring about a significant boost to the socio-economic ecosystem and lead to inclusive growth that allows large sections of the Nigerian society to contribute to the country’s economy. The latest GSMA Mobile Economy report puts the potential of 5G at an additional $2.2tn to Africa’s economy by 2034. So today more than ever, the promise of a young population coupled with the rapid expansion of 5G has already set the scene for a myriad of opportunities, starting with an improved quality of life and standard of living.
The promise of accessible, affordable and inclusive healthcare and education for instance has come within reach for the first time. However, its acceleration is critical in order to empower people – from unemployed youth to the vulnerable and uneducated aged. With it comes the need to upskill millions of professionals and teachers to ensure parity with global skillsets and access to the latest methodologies for service delivery, a process widely facilitated by connectivity through remote learning and remote working. Information and Communications Technologies have long played an important role in social inclusion, improving employment outcomes, and enabling greater access to education and skills acquisition.
Moreover, driving sectoral growth can be the biggest catalyst for economic inclusion and change. Utilising the abundant natural resources and dynamic human capital of one of the world’s largest populations will be critical to achieving the nation’s ambitions. To accelerate growth, connectivity in industries like manufacturing, ports, mining, airports and energy holds the answer for the adoption of new and emerging data-driven technologies. In fact, 5G was designed specifically with the Internet of Things in mind to drive Industry 4.0 through private networks to provide the robust, reliable connectivity required to suit any need and use case.
There is a great need to identify innovative solutions using technology and connectivity to create tomorrow’s solutions from today’s challenges which Nigeria’s 5G deployment has inspired. Launching automation hubs in Nigeria should be aimed at improving the consumer experience for communications service providers in the country through the showcase of recent innovations and developments, and also a means to invest in local competence.
Africa needs to be empowered through the use of technology and connectivity. Therefore, supporting Africa in this mission will obviously transform its ecosystem, enable sustainable growth and economic development, and create opportunities for all.
- Peter Ogundele is Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria
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