Undoubtedly, Nigeria has the greatest population of young people. With a population of almost 200 million, the nation is home to half of West Africa’s young, who are believed to number over 100 million and range in age from 15 to 35. This has an exponential potential for attaining significant socioeconomic development advancements.
Young people are the key to developing skills and fostering economic growth because they are resourceful and spirited. One of the things that is recognized to promote economic growth is technology.
How can connectivity help Nigeria’s youth realize their potential given that we are only now beginning to see the possibilities of 4.0 Technologies?
In 2027, the Middle East and North Africa region is expected to have close to 200 million 5G subscriptions, according to the most recent Ericsson Mobility Report. 4G subscriptions increased by 26% in Sub-Saharan Africa alone in 2021, and rapid growth is anticipated to continue in 2022.
As mobile broadband-capable handsets become more widely available, data traffic in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to continue growing. Regulatory actions are being pursued to increase spectrum availability in important African markets. The majority of the population will be able to use mobile services thanks to this, especially in traditionally underserved rural areas.
Nigeria just began deploying 5G technology to support this expansion, which would significantly improve the socioeconomic ecosystem and result in inclusive growth that enables substantial segments of the Nigerian populace to contribute to the nation’s economy.
According to the most recent GSMA Mobile GDP analysis, 5G has the potential to add $2.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2034. Therefore, now more than ever, the promise of a young population combined with the quick adoption of 5G has already created the conditions for a wide range of options, beginning with an elevated standard of living and quality of life.
For the first time, the promise of easily accessible, reasonably priced, and inclusive healthcare and education is now within grasp. However, it must be accelerated if individuals are to be empowered, from ignorant seniors to young people without jobs.
With it comes the requirement to upskill millions of professionals and educators in order to assure parity with global skill sets and access to the most up-to-date service delivery techniques.
Connectivity through remote learning and remote working greatly facilitates this process. Information and communications technologies have long been crucial for promoting social inclusion, enhancing employment results, and expanding access to training and education.
Driving sectoral growth can also be the biggest engine for economic inclusion and transformation. To realize the goals of the country, it will be essential to make use of the rich natural resources and vibrant human capital of one of the greatest populations on earth.
Connectivity in sectors including manufacturing, ports, mining, airports, and energy holds the key to accelerating growth through the use of cutting-edge data-driven technology. In fact, 5G was developed expressly with the Internet of Things in mind to power Industry 4.0 through private networks, since it offers the strong, dependable connectivity needed to meet any purpose and use case.
The implementation of 5G in Nigeria has sparked a huge desire to find creative approaches utilizing technology and connection to address today’s problems. By showcasing the most recent ideas and advances and investing in local expertise, the establishment of automation hubs in Nigeria should be done with the goal of enhancing the customer experience for the nation’s communications service providers.
Through the use of technology and connectivity, Africa must be empowered. Therefore, aiding Africa in this mission will undoubtedly change its ecosystem, promote economic development and sustainable growth, and open doors for everyone.
