Mr Auwal: Young Nigerians and Africans Must Stop Sleeping on the Opportunities Technology Offers

The Young Nigerian and the Digital Economy: Auwal Aliyu on Technology, Opportunity and Africa’s Untapped Potential

In an era where technology is transforming how people learn, work, build businesses and create wealth, young Nigerians and Africans have more opportunities within reach than ever before. Yet, many remain consumers of digital products rather than creators of solutions. In this exclusive interview with AfriView Media, Nigerian technology entrepreneur Auwal Aliyu discusses the digital skills gap, the importance of productivity, the opportunities hidden within the digital economy, and why Africa’s young population must begin to think beyond traditional career paths.

Interview conducted by the AfriView Media Team

Introduction

Technology is rapidly changing the world. From artificial intelligence and software development to digital media, online education, financial technology and remote work, the opportunities available to young people are no longer limited by geography in the way they once were.

For young Nigerians and Africans, this transformation presents an important question: are we taking full advantage of the opportunities available to us?

Auwal Aliyu, a Nigerian technology entrepreneur and computer science graduate, believes that young people must begin to see technology not merely as a source of entertainment, but as a tool for learning, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

Through his experience in technology, digital systems and entrepreneurship, Aliyu advocates a more practical approach to digital participation: learn valuable skills, identify real problems, build useful solutions and turn knowledge into productive activity.

In this conversation with AfriView Media, he shares his perspective on the digital economy and the role young Nigerians can play in shaping Africa’s technological future.

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AfriView Media: Technology is everywhere today, especially among young people. Why do you think many Nigerians and Africans are still not taking full advantage of it?

Auwal Aliyu: I think one of the biggest challenges is that many of us have access to technology without fully understanding its economic potential.

A young person can spend several hours on a smartphone every day, watching videos, scrolling through social media and following trends. There is nothing inherently wrong with entertainment, but the question is whether that same device is also helping the person learn, develop a skill, build a business or create an opportunity.

Technology is much more than social media. It can be a classroom, an office, a business tool, a publishing platform, a marketplace and a gateway to international opportunities.

The problem is not that young Africans lack potential. In many cases, we lack awareness, structured learning, practical exposure and consistent execution.

We need to move from simply consuming technology to using it productively. Instead of only asking what a platform can do for our entertainment, we should also ask what we can build, learn or earn through it.

AfriView Media: What specific opportunities are young Nigerians missing?

Auwal Aliyu: There are several, and they go far beyond becoming software developers.

Young people can learn web development, graphic design, video editing, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, artificial intelligence, content production, business automation and many other skills.

Someone who understands design can work with businesses that need professional branding. Someone who learns video editing can support creators, media organisations and companies. A person who understands web development can build websites for local businesses or eventually develop products for a wider market.

There are also opportunities in digital journalism, online education, e-commerce, remote services, technology consulting and agricultural technology.

However, we must understand something important: learning a skill is the beginning, not the destination. You must practise it, build a portfolio, demonstrate your competence, find people who need that skill and learn how to deliver quality work.

The opportunity is not simply in knowing how to use a tool. It is in using that tool to solve a problem someone genuinely needs solved.

AfriView Media: Does this mean every young person should go into technology?

Auwal Aliyu: No, and I think that distinction is important.

Not everyone needs to become a programmer. Africa needs teachers, farmers, doctors, engineers, journalists, accountants, artists, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

What we need is for more people to understand how technology can strengthen whatever profession they choose.

A farmer can use digital tools to understand markets, improve farm management and connect with buyers. A journalist can use data tools to improve reporting. A teacher can use digital platforms to reach more students. A small business owner can use technology to manage customers, market products and organise operations.

Technology should not always be viewed as a separate career. It can be an advantage within almost every career.

The future will increasingly favour people who combine professional knowledge with the ability to use modern tools effectively.

AfriView Media: Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular. Is it an opportunity or a threat to young Africans?

Auwal Aliyu: It is both, depending on how we respond to it.

Artificial intelligence can help people research, write, analyse information, develop software, automate repetitive tasks and learn complicated concepts more efficiently. For someone who cannot afford expensive training, AI tools can also provide an additional way to explore new subjects and practise skills.

But we should not confuse access to AI with expertise.

Using an AI tool to generate something does not automatically mean you understand it, can verify its accuracy or can deliver professional results. People who rely entirely on generated outputs without developing their own judgement may struggle when faced with complex problems.

My advice is to use AI as an assistant, not as a replacement for thinking. Learn the fundamentals, verify information, protect sensitive data and practise applying the technology to real problems.

Africa should not merely be a market for AI products developed elsewhere. We should also be developing talent, building relevant products and using AI to address our own challenges in education, agriculture, healthcare, finance and public services.

AfriView Media: Many young people want to make money online. What advice would you give them?

Auwal Aliyu: First, I would encourage them to separate legitimate opportunity from the promise of easy money.

The internet has created genuine ways to earn, but it has also created an environment where scams, unrealistic claims and fraudulent investment schemes can spread quickly.

You do not need to become rich overnight. You need to become useful, competent and consistent.

Start by identifying a skill you can learn and a market where that skill is needed. Use free or affordable learning resources. Practise regularly. Create sample projects. Build a portfolio. Offer your services to small businesses, professionals or clients who need your work.

You can also explore selling legitimate products, creating educational content, providing digital services or developing a business around a problem you understand.

The first objective should be to prove that you can deliver value. As your experience grows, you can improve your pricing, build relationships, attract better clients and expand your services.

There is no guarantee that every effort will succeed, but developing useful skills gives you a stronger foundation than chasing every online money-making trend.

AfriView Media: What role should education play in preparing young Nigerians for the digital economy?

Auwal Aliyu: Formal education remains important, but we should recognise that the world is changing faster than many educational systems can adapt.

A degree can provide foundational knowledge, discipline and credibility. However, a degree alone may not equip someone with every practical skill required by today’s employers or customers.

Young people should complement formal education with continuous learning. They should explore online courses, technical documentation, professional communities, practical projects, internships and mentorship.

I also believe educational institutions should place greater emphasis on practical problem-solving, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and the application of technology to local challenges.

We need graduates who can do more than explain a concept in an examination. We need people who can apply what they know, work with others, adapt to change and produce measurable results.

Education should not end when someone leaves the classroom. In a technology-driven economy, the ability to keep learning is itself a competitive advantage.

AfriView Media: You are involved in technology and entrepreneurship. What has that experience taught you about building something of your own?

Auwal Aliyu: One of the biggest lessons is that having an idea is only the beginning.

It is easy to imagine a platform, a company or a digital product. The difficult part is turning that idea into something people actually need and are willing to use.

You have to understand your audience, identify the problem you want to solve, build a workable solution, test it, listen to feedback and improve it. You also have to understand costs, customer acquisition, operations, reliability and the importance of trust.

Technology can make it easier to start building, but it does not remove the need for business discipline.

I also believe young entrepreneurs should not be afraid to start small. You do not necessarily need a large office, a huge team or millions of naira to begin testing an idea. Depending on the product, you can start with a simple version, learn from real users and improve gradually.

But starting small should not mean thinking carelessly. You must take your customers seriously, manage your resources and understand the responsibilities that come with running a business.

AfriView Media: Do you think Africa is positioned to compete in the global technology economy?

Auwal Aliyu: Yes, but potential alone will not make it happen.

Africa has a young population, growing digital participation, entrepreneurs who are solving local problems and communities with needs that can inspire useful innovation.

However, we must address real challenges, including uneven access to reliable electricity and internet services, the cost of devices, gaps in technical education, limited financing for early-stage businesses and the difficulty of scaling products across different markets.

We also need to invest in research, infrastructure, digital security, local talent and stronger collaboration between universities, businesses, governments and technology communities.

African entrepreneurs should study global markets, but they should also pay attention to problems close to home. Solutions developed for African realities can be valuable in African markets and, in some cases, beyond the continent.

Our ambition should not be limited to using products created elsewhere. We should develop the capacity to design, build, own and export valuable technology.

AfriView Media: What do you mean when you say young Africans should become creators rather than just consumers?

Auwal Aliyu: I mean that we should become more intentional about what we contribute to the digital world.

When we use social media, we can also create educational content, share professional knowledge, showcase local businesses or build communities around useful ideas.

When we use digital platforms, we can learn how they work, identify gaps and explore whether there is a better way to solve a problem.

When we see a business struggling with a manual process, we can ask whether a digital solution would make it faster, cheaper or more reliable.

Not everyone will create the next major technology company, and that is not the point. Creating value can begin with a website for a local business, a useful mobile application, a digital marketing service, a well-researched article or an improved process for a small organisation.

We should stop measuring digital success only by followers, likes and online visibility. Those things can have value, but they are not substitutes for competence, meaningful work or sustainable income.

A productive digital culture is one in which more people are building useful things, sharing knowledge and solving problems.

AfriView Media: What practical steps can someone take if they have a smartphone, internet access and very little money?

Auwal Aliyu: I would suggest starting with a simple plan.

First, choose one skill based on your interests and the needs of a real market. Do not try to learn everything at once.

Second, identify reliable learning resources. There are free courses, tutorials, documentation and educational communities available online. You can begin without paying for an expensive programme.

Third, create a consistent learning routine. Even one or two focused hours a day can produce progress over time if you practise rather than merely watch tutorials.

Fourth, build projects that demonstrate your ability. If you are learning design, create sample designs. If you are learning web development, build a functioning website. If you are learning digital marketing, develop a sample campaign and explain your decisions.

Fifth, seek feedback and begin connecting with potential clients, employers or collaborators. Be honest about your experience, deliver what you promise and improve your work continuously.

Finally, be careful with your money. Do not borrow heavily to purchase courses or equipment before understanding what you need. Avoid opportunities that demand payment in exchange for guaranteed income.

Your first breakthrough may not be dramatic. It might be completing a project, earning your first legitimate payment or helping a small business solve a problem. Those milestones can provide a foundation for larger opportunities.

AfriView Media: What responsibility do technology entrepreneurs and media organisations have in this transformation?

Auwal Aliyu: Entrepreneurs have a responsibility to build products that solve real problems, treat customers fairly and create opportunities for other people.

We should also be honest about the challenges of entrepreneurship. It takes time to build a reliable business, and not every product will succeed. Young people deserve realistic guidance, not exaggerated promises.

Media organisations have a different but equally important responsibility. They can help people understand emerging technologies, identify legitimate opportunities, recognise online scams and learn from people who are doing meaningful work.

Media coverage should go beyond celebrating success. It should explain the decisions, skills, setbacks and practical lessons behind that success.

I believe African media can play a significant role in strengthening digital literacy and encouraging a culture of innovation. The stories we tell can influence what young people aspire to become and how they approach their future.

AfriView Media: What changes would you like to see among young Nigerians over the next five years?

Auwal Aliyu: I would like to see more young Nigerians become deliberate about learning, productivity and building sustainable careers.

I want to see more young people developing skills that businesses need, creating products for local challenges, building credible professional portfolios and working with people beyond their immediate communities.

I would also like us to become more comfortable with collaboration. We sometimes focus too heavily on individual recognition instead of building teams, sharing knowledge and creating institutions that can outlast their founders.

Another important change is how we define success. Social media can create pressure to appear successful before we have built anything substantial. We should place greater value on competence, integrity, consistency and the quality of the work we produce.

Five years is enough time for a person to make meaningful progress if they approach learning and execution seriously. It is also enough time for a small idea to become a sustainable business, although neither outcome is guaranteed.

The future will not reward everyone equally, but we can improve our chances by preparing for it instead of waiting for opportunities to arrive.

AfriView Media: Finally, what message would you like to leave with young Nigerians and Africans?

Auwal Aliyu: I would tell them not to underestimate what they can accomplish, but also not to underestimate the work required to accomplish it.

You do not have to wait until you have a perfect environment, expensive equipment or a large amount of money before you begin learning. Start with the resources available to you, identify what you need to improve and take practical steps.

At the same time, be patient enough to develop real competence. Do not allow the desire for quick money or public recognition to distract you from building a strong foundation.

Technology has opened doors, but it is our responsibility to prepare ourselves to walk through them. We need people who can think critically, solve problems, build businesses, create useful products and contribute to the development of their communities.

Africa’s future should not be defined only by the technologies we consume. It should also be defined by the ideas we develop, the solutions we build and the value we contribute to the world.

My message is simple: learn continuously, use technology intentionally, create value and remain consistent. The opportunities are real, but we must be willing to do the work.

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AfriView Media’s Takeaway

Auwal Aliyu’s message reflects a broader challenge facing Africa’s emerging workforce: access to digital technology must be matched by the skills, discipline and institutions needed to turn that access into meaningful economic participation.

The digital economy is not a guaranteed route to wealth, nor is every online opportunity legitimate. However, digital literacy, practical skills, entrepreneurship and responsible technology adoption can help individuals and businesses discover new ways to work, learn and create value.

For young Nigerians, the next step is not simply to spend more time online. It is to make that time more purposeful.

As Africa’s digital economy continues to evolve, the question is no longer only whether young people have access to technology, but what they are learning, building and contributing through it.

Interview conducted by the AfriView Media Team.