Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading tech hubs presently, experiencing an exponential tech boom.
The leading tech startups in Africa; that have the most recognition and potential to compete on a global scale, are founded and situated in Nigeria(Statista).
Startups like Flutterwave, Konga, Cowrywise, and many others have successfully equipped over 20,000 Nigerian youths with profitable and high-paying tech jobs.
This has changed the Nigerian job space, making tech jobs the most promising and highest paying currently.
However, transitioning from traditional services to the digital scene isn’t smooth.
This blog will highlight some of the recommended digital skills to learn in 2024.
Find out what digital skills mean and why they are important.
What are the Most Profitable Skills to Learn in Nigeria?
In Africa, 230 million jobs will demand digital skills by 2030.
While there are many digital skills to learn, our recommendations stand out for:
- Their low level of competitiveness
- High demand in the market
- And their pay range.
Let’s take a cursory glance at the top 10 digital skills to learn in Nigeria today:
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence involves concepts like machine learning, deep learning, and several other programming languages like Python and R.
These concepts are then used to design and build AI to solve real-life problems.
It is currently one of the most in-demand skills on several job platforms with annual pay ranging from $100k to $300k yearly.
- Web Development
Web development is the craft of creating websites and web applications.
It is very essential because it is how businesses establish their presence online.
Web development is really in demand, there are about 20,000 web development jobs on Indeed alone with the pay going as high as $200k yearly.
- User Experience Design
User experience involves creating products and services that provide meaningful experience to users.
LinkedIn listed UX design as one of the top 5 in-demand skills in 2020, its annual salary can go as far as $170K.
- Data Science
Data science professionals use scientific processes and algorithms to extract insights from data.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics even predicts the demand for data science specialists will rise as far as 38 percent in 2031. Its pay range goes between $70 to $200k annually.
- Cybersecurity
Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems and networks from digital attacks.
The global cyber security market is expected to grow from 170 billion dollars in 2017 to 202 billion dollars in 2023.
- Blockchain
Blockchain experts create and improve blockchain systems.
They make sure blockchain systems run smoothly.
The fact that society is moving towards cryptocurrency and further away from paper money made blockchain development valuable, its pay range goes as far as $213k yearly.
- Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is the use of the Internet to market products.
Both small and big businesses actively engage in digital marketing.
It is one of the fastest-growing digital skills in 2024 according to Forbes, with its pay ranging from $117k to $207k monthly.
- Software Development
Software development is the process of creating and maintaining software.
Computers are controlled by software, which is instructions.
In 2021 a Google report revealed that the demand for software developers had reached an all-time high, especially in Africa.
Software developers earn close to $600k yearly.
- App development
App development is the process of creating applications for various operating systems.
These are the various phone and system apps we use every day on our devices
App developers earn as much as $200k yearly.
The continuous usage of phone and system apps alike makes it a skill that will always be valued.
- Machine Learning
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence.
It involves training artificial intelligence to learn from experience and to perform actions without instructions.
On average, machine learning specialists go home with close to $500K yearly.
The U.S Bureau of Statistics predicts a 23 percent growth rate for the machine learning engineering field from 2022 to 2032
So compared to previous years, there will be a sporadic increase in the demand for machine learning specialists.
How do I learn Digital Skills in Nigeria For Free?
#1- Leverage Online Resources:
- Take Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of free courses on various digital skills.
- YouTube Tutorials: YouTube is a treasure trove of free tutorials on everything from coding to graphic design. Search for channels that specialize in the skills you want to learn.
- Online Communities and Forums: Websites like Stack Overflow, Creaitz, Reddit, and Quora have active communities where you can ask questions, seek advice, and learn from others.
#2- Utilize Local Libraries and Community Centers:
- Computer Labs: Many public libraries and community centers offer computer labs with free internet access. These can be great places to practice your digital skills.
- Workshops and Events: Some libraries and community centers host free workshops and events on digital skills. Keep an eye on their calendars for upcoming opportunities.
You can check the Creaitz calendar for upcoming workshops on digital skills.
#3- Participate in Online Challenges and Hackathons:
- Coding Challenges: Websites like HackerRank and Codewars offer coding challenges that can help you improve your programming skills.
- Hackathons: These events provide opportunities to collaborate with other digital talents and work on real-world projects. You can check out our partner, Borderless, who hosts frequent hackathons.
#4- Join Online Mentoring Programs:
- Mentorship Platforms: Look for online platforms that connect mentees with experienced professionals in various fields. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights.
💡The Creaitz community offers mentorship too.
#5- Take Advantage of Free Online Tools:
- Design Tools: Canva and GIMP offer free versions of their design software.
- Coding Environments: Online code editors like Replit and CodeSandbox allow you to write and run code directly in your browser.
Ready to Turn Your Passion Into a Powerful Career?
At Creaitz, we don’t just teach digital skills—we provide you with free resources, mentorship, and job opportunities every step of the way.
To take any of the top digital skills to learn in Nigeria in 2024, join the community.
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