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By Adebowale Johnson
As artificial intelligence continues to redefine industries, economies and workplaces across the world, technology leaders and business innovators are urging Nigerian youths to see the digital revolution not as a threat, but as an unprecedented opportunity.
That message formed the core of discussions at The Roundtable Lekki 2026, organised by the Garden City in Lagos, where leading voices in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem challenged young people to embrace innovation, digital skills and entrepreneurship as tools for economic survival and national growth.
Held under the theme, “Winning Through Innovation: The Tech Advantage,” the event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, technology professionals and aspiring innovators at a time when concerns over unemployment, underemployment and economic uncertainty continue to dominate national conversations.
For many participants, the gathering reflected a growing consensus that Nigeria’s youthful population could become one of the country’s greatest economic strengths if properly equipped for the digital age.
The Founder/GMD, Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe, said Africa’s challenges in sectors such as finance, education, healthcare and logistics present enormous opportunities for technology-driven solutions.
According to him, innovation has become indispensable in a rapidly changing business environment where adaptability and strategic thinking now determine long-term relevance.
Elegbe noted that artificial intelligence is already reshaping global productivity and work systems, warning that traditional career structures may undergo significant transformation in the coming years.
“Like every new technology, it has its good and bad sides. AI is known to boost productivity, but it could potentially change the way we work, meaning some people could lose their jobs,” he said.
Yet, rather than promoting fear, he encouraged Nigerian youths to position themselves within the evolving technology ecosystem by learning relevant digital and problem-solving skills capable of creating value in the marketplace.
His remarks reflected a broader shift in conversations around AI globally, where attention is increasingly focused not only on automation, but also on the emergence of new industries, professions and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, the founding partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, described technology adoption as one of the strongest drivers of productivity and competitiveness in modern economies.
“If you adopt technology, it tends to make you more productive. And when you’re more productive, you’re able to do things faster and better than people who don’t use technology,” he said.
Aboyeji dismissed widespread fears that artificial intelligence would completely replace human labour, arguing instead that the greatest risk lies in refusing to adapt.
“AI is not coming for your job, but if you don’t learn it, then the people who learn how to use AI will come for your job,” he added.
His statement resonated strongly with younger attendees seeking direction in an increasingly competitive labour market where employers are placing growing emphasis on digital literacy, automation tools and innovation capacity.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to grapple with high youth unemployment despite the rapid growth of its technology ecosystem. Analysts say the rise of fintech, e-commerce, digital media, software development and AI-powered services presents an opportunity for the country to leverage its youthful population for economic transformation.
For the organisers of The Roundtable Lekki, the conversation goes beyond technology itself. It is also about economic empowerment and social development.
Convener of the initiative, Rev. Chris Ubamadu, said the platform was established to address pressing societal challenges, particularly poverty and unemployment.
“What inspired The Roundtable Lekki was our desire to solve societal problems. We want to help people increase their earning capacity, become economically empowered, and reduce poverty in the land,” he said.
Ubamadu explained that exposing young Nigerians to practical opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship could help bridge the widening gap between academic qualifications and employable skills.
The host of the event and zonal coordinator also highlighted how internet-based innovation has transformed global business models and created millions of new opportunities.
According to him, the emergence of artificial intelligence could unlock even greater economic possibilities for Nigerians willing to embrace change and innovation.
Beyond speeches and panel discussions, the event also sought to provide tangible support for innovation. One of its major highlights was a pitch session for young entrepreneurs, during which five innovators received funding support to help scale their ideas and businesses.
Chairman of the organising committee urged young innovators not to be intimidated by perceptions that the technology industry has become overcrowded.
“No matter how saturated you think the tech sector is, there is still space for you. There is always an opportunity to innovate and create solutions that can make a difference,” he said.
As Nigeria navigates economic pressures and a rapidly changing global workforce, conversations such as those at The Roundtable Lekki reflect an emerging belief that the country’s future competitiveness may depend largely on how effectively its young population embraces technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.
For many of the youths in attendance, the message was clear: the digital future is already here, and those prepared to learn, adapt and innovate may ultimately define Nigeria’s next generation of economic success.
