Positioning Nigerian Tech for Global Success
Nnamani Melvin Kosisochukwu, a young software engineer, has outlined how Nigerian tech professionals can position themselves for success in the competitive global market.
In an exclusive interview with Ihesiulo Grace, he discussed the strengths that make Nigerian talents stand out, the challenges of poor infrastructure and limited exposure, and the steps needed to secure international opportunities.
The conversation also emphasized the growing importance of tech communities across Nigeria in building skills, offering mentorship, and connecting developers to global networks.
Que: Nigeria is producing brilliant tech talents, but the international market is highly competitive. From your experience, what unique strengths can Nigerian tech professionals leverage to stand out globally, and what areas do you think still need improvement?
Ans: Nigeria’s Tech talent is experiencing considerable growth. More young Nigerians are venturing into Software development, Design, Product management, and other tech-focused career fields. Contributing to this is the availability of learning platforms like Udemy, YouTube, Coursera, Front-end Masters, and FreeCodeCamp.
These platforms do an excellent Job of getting you from zero to a practical skill level, but to compete in the global market, you need more than practical skills; people need to see your work. This additional visibility can be achieved through writing technical articles, sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, contributing to open-source projects, or mentoring others; this will showcase your expertise and also create credibility.
The importance of visibility in the tech space cannot be overstated, as most of the contract and job offers I received from international companies were a result of articles I had published or came across on social media posts discussing projects I had worked on. Mastering your skill is crucial, but pairing it with visibility positions you at the forefront of your peers.
Que: Breaking into the tech space comes with obstacles—from poor infrastructure to limited exposure. What have been the toughest challenges for Nigerian talents in competing internationally, and how can they be overcome?
Ans: Nigerian tech professionals face unique challenges, including infrastructure gaps and perception biases, when entering the global tech space. A key hurdle is the misconception that Nigerians are unreliable due to electricity and internet issues.
While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. Today, multiple internet solutions, although often costly, make it possible to stay connected, and many developers invest in alternatives such as solar power or backup systems to ensure productivity.
Another obstacle is the bias that extraordinary talent cannot emerge from Nigeria or Africa. This assumption is simply false. I have encountered world-class developers from Nigeria who are excelling both locally and on the international stage.
The reality is that Nigerian talent is just as skilled, innovative, and capable as peers anywhere in the world.
Ultimately, the most significant barrier remains the cost of overcoming infrastructural limitations, particularly stable electricity and reliable internet. Once these are addressed, Nigerian developers have consistently shown that they can compete and thrive at a global level.
Que: For a young Nigerian interested in building a tech career, where should they begin? Are there specific skills, certifications, or pathways you consider essential for someone starting today?
Ans: Starting a Tech career requires grit and persistence during the early stages, especially if you don’t have a previous tech background. Certifications are a nice-to-have but not necessarily a requirement.
A good starting point will be the fundamentals of whatever aspect of Tech piques your interest. You can use platforms like YouTube for free courses and tutorials, and read technical articles on developer sites. Many people are unaware that Harvard University offers free lectures on its YouTube channel.
You can also take advantage of financial aid on platforms like Coursera and discounted courses on Udemy. Another good resource for getting started is Roadmap.sh.
Roadmap.sh offers comprehensive guides on various technologies and fields, outlining what to learn and, crucially, the most advisable order to learn them in. It can provide a clear path and help you structure your studies effectively.
Que: Many Nigerian developers and tech professionals dream of securing remote or international jobs. What practical steps can they take to position themselves for these opportunities, and how can they navigate barriers like location bias or limited networks?
Ans: As I mentioned earlier, Visibility plays a significant role in helping you secure your next remote or international Job.
The practical steps that will position you as a strong candidate for remote opportunities:
Build a strong personal brand that reflects your skills and accomplishments.
Invest in continuous learning and reiteration: As discouraging as rejection emails may be, do not give up. Try to gather as much information from the recruiter regarding why your application was not accepted, so that you can improve on that aspect and increase your chances next time.
Network Intentionally: Leverage LinkedIn, which gives you the ability to directly connect with the CEO of the companies you are interested in and probably land yourself an interview.
Tech Communities and Events: Tech communities can be a strong tool for networking and building the right connections that might help you secure your next Job. These communities help connect you with industry experts who can speak to your capabilities, provide referrals for a Job, or offer you jobs. A good example of these communities is Google Developers Group, Open Source Community Africa, Microsoft Developer Community, e.t.c.
Que: Tech communities are growing across Nigeria, from Lagos to Enugu. How important are these communities in building skills, providing mentorship, and connecting talents to global opportunities, and what more can be done to strengthen them?
Ans: Tech communities across Nigeria are playing a crucial role in shaping careers and opening doors for talented individuals. For many, including myself, being part of a community was vital in the early stages of my career; it made the journey much easier and less isolating so I might be speaking out of sentiment, but these communities help in several key ways that would prove difficult to do on your own.
They create connections that might otherwise take years to form, linking beginners, professionals, and industry leaders. Communities also provide recyclable human resources, where each new talents are mentored by industry leaders in the community, creating a cycle of exceptional talent coming out of these communities.
To strengthen these communities, more people need to give back by sharing time, knowledge, and opportunities with the next generation. Communities can also organize more workshops, hackathons, and hands-on sessions to deepen skills and keep members engaged.
Ultimately, strong tech communities don’t just support individuals; they contribute to Nigeria’s place in the global tech ecosystem
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