Nigeria is sitting on a demographic goldmine, and the country’s young people are increasingly being recognised as the key drivers of a future defined by technology and innovation. In a recent interview, Oyebola Morakinyo, General Manager at Cavista Technologies Nigeria, spoke passionately about the nation’s youthful population and its potential to shape a bold new digital era. Morakinyo outlined how tech events like the Cavista Tech Hackathon are helping mould Nigeria’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
For Nigeria to seize this opportunity, she says, the focus must be on empowering young people, closing skills gaps, and boosting digital literacy across the country. With a median age of just 18 and more than half of the population under 30, the stakes have never been higher.
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Nigeria’s Youth Population: A Strategic Advantage in Technology
Nigeria’s demographic trends present both a huge opportunity and an urgent call to action. The country has one of the youngest populations in the world. Statistics show that roughly 70 per cent of Nigerians are under the age of 30, and this youthful cohort is rapidly becoming a force in reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.
This dynamic population structure could serve as a foundation for technological leapfrogging if appropriately harnessed. Morakinyo emphasised that the growing number of young people entering the workforce each year presents a unique chance to expand Nigeria’s digital economy. By giving youth the tools they need to innovate and compete globally, Nigeria has the opportunity to transform a demographic dividend into tangible economic growth.
According to Morakinyo, part of achieving this transformation depends on integrated education policies that prioritise digital skills, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and practical learning opportunities that match market realities.
Cavista Tech Hackathon: A Launchpad for Young Innovators
One of the standout examples of youth empowerment in tech is the Cavista Tech Hackathon. Organised by Cavista Technologies, this event brings together students from universities and higher institutions across Lagos and its environs to compete, learn and innovate.
The hackathon isn’t just a competition; it’s an ecosystem where young minds are nurtured and where talent is matched with real job opportunities. Past participants have been offered internships with Cavista Technologies, allowing students to build hands-on experience with industry practitioners.
“Some of the students who won in previous editions are now performing excellently as software developers,” Morakinyo said. These success stories underline the importance of practical engagement in technology training, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to real-world application.
Morakinyo also explained that the hackathon’s annual rhythm allows participants to sharpen their skills year on year. With the fourth edition scheduled to hold in February 2026, eligibility is open to undergraduates from institutions including Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Covenant University, and others.
According to a recent World Economic Forum report, Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed about 20 per cent of real GDP growth in 2024, showing how the digital economy is already influencing national development. But these gains remain fragile without a solid foundation of homegrown talent ready to innovate and lead.
Overcoming Challenges to Enable Youth Leadership in Tech
Despite the optimism, obstacles remain. Morakinyo highlighted infrastructure as one of the biggest hurdles for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Reliable electricity, affordable internet access, and functional road networks are still patchy and inconsistent in many parts of the country.
“Strong infrastructure is the backbone of effective delivery,” she said, pointing to the need for improvements that ensure technology can be used at scale and without hindrance. These infrastructure deficits can slow innovation, increase operational costs, and create inequality in access to opportunities.
Another challenge is ensuring that training programmes align with real industry needs. Many young Nigerians are eager to develop digital skills but often lack mentorship and structured learning pathways that bridge the gap between education and employment. A recent analysis of Africa’s tech ecosystems found that the lack of structured mentorship programmes can limit the ability of aspiring technologists to grow and compete.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between governments, private tech firms, educators, and civil society. Stakeholders must coalesce around a shared vision of building a supportive and inclusive tech ecosystem that opens doors for all young people, regardless of background or geographic location.
What Lies Ahead for Nigeria’s Tech Future
As Nigeria moves forward, the youth demographic can no longer be ignored. With millions of young people joining the workforce each year, investing in digital skills and innovation is becoming a priority for sustainable growth.
Morakinyo stressed that the youth are not just beneficiaries of technological progress; they are the architects of it. Their creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit position them to design solutions that address local challenges while competing on a global stage.
For many youth, technology offers more than a career path. It provides a chance to improve lives, solve community problems, and contribute to the nation’s development. Across Nigeria, young entrepreneurs are already building fintech platforms, health tech solutions, and digital services that are reshaping everyday life.
There is also evidence that technology-driven initiatives can help reduce unemployment and deepen financial inclusion in the country. For example, Nigeria’s growing fintech scene is largely youth-led and has significantly increased access to financial services for millions of Nigerians.
However, success will depend on a shared national effort to strengthen education systems, improve infrastructure, and nurture innovation ecosystems that can sustain long-term growth. This means creating policies that support youth training, incentivising private investment in technology sectors, and fostering a culture of collaboration between tech firms and educational institutions.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s youth population is one of the most powerful assets the country possesses. If empowered with the right skills, support, and opportunities, young Nigerians could lead a transformational technology revolution with far-reaching benefits for the economy and society at large.
Events such as the Cavista Tech Hackathon offer a model for how young talent can be discovered and developed. Yet, sustained progress will require addressing deep-rooted challenges like infrastructure deficits and skills mismatch.
As Morakinyo and other tech leaders emphasise, the future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on recognising and investing in the potential of its youth. The vision of a tech-enabled Nigeria will only be realised if the next generation is equipped to shape it with confidence, creativity, and purpose.
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