The inaugural Jobberman Remote Work Fest 2025, held recently in Lagos, has issued a powerful call to action: African professionals must step up to fill critical talent shortages in aging global markets. The landmark event, themed 'Work Beyond Borders: Building Africa’s Global Remote Workforce', sought to pivot the continent's role from a raw materials exporter to a premier hub for high-quality human capital.
Redefining Africa's Place in the Global Economy
Organised by Jobberman Nigeria and The African Talent Company in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the festival brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and young professionals. The core mission was to strategically position Africa's youthful population as the solution to a pressing global problem. With Nigeria projected to become the world’s third most populous country by 2050, and 80% of its people under 44, the continent's demographic dividend is immense.
Gabriel Akan Gab-Umoden, Chief Marketing Officer of The African Talent Company, explained the vision. The festival aims to inspire young Africans to envision careers that are flexible, fluid, and entirely borderless, breaking free from traditional geographical constraints.
The Data Spotlight: A Clear Opportunity for African Youth
Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, presented compelling data that underscores the opportunity. A significant 62% of international companies are already actively hiring young talent from Africa for remote roles. He also addressed the impact of Artificial Intelligence, noting that while AI may displace 92 million jobs globally by 2030, it is expected to create 117 million new ones.
"This represents a net gain of 25 million jobs," Adeyeye stated. "African youth are uniquely positioned to capture these new roles if we focus on proper upskilling." He emphasised a crucial shift in employer priorities: "The world does not just want to hire what you know; they want to hire how you work." Skills like communication and self-management are now top demands, alongside technical ability.
Dispelling Myths and Embracing Discipline
A key discussion at the event challenged the perception of remote work as an 'easy' or 'lazy' option. Cecil Jones, Head of Product at Itana, representing Founding Partner of Future Africa Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, provided a starkly different view. "Remote work is not an easier way to work; it is probably the most disciplined way you can work," Jones asserted.
He advised professionals to thrive in the volatile global market by treating themselves as a service business. "You must treat yourself as a service exporting to the world," he concluded, framing remote work as a rigorous entrepreneurial endeavour.
The festival, through its panel discussions and fireside chats, has laid down a clear marker. The future of work is remote, and Africa, with its young, dynamic population, is poised to become a central player in the global digital workforce, moving decisively beyond its historical economic roles.
