Jumia Emphasises Need To Develop, Leverage Local Tech Talent

Jumia has emphasised on the need to develop and leverage local tech talent in harnessing the burgeoning digital economy.

Jumia, in a statement to LEADERSHIP, said the future is digital, but for Africa to make the most of that future more attention must be given to developing and leveraging local tech talent.

Research from several renowned organisations and bodies, including multinational accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, reveals that the digital economy has the potential to contribute 25 per cent to the global GDP. On a continental level, its contribution is projected to exceed $712 billion by 2050.

It stated that, “Africa already has the working-age population needed to harness the potential of this economy, however, for this to become a reality, there is a need to develop the requisite skills to harness the burgeoning digital economy.

It added that “considering the gaping disparity between the available talents and enthusiasts, the solution to this dissension is to invest in and leverage the untapped talent pool that exists.

“In Nigeria, one company that is championing this is Jumia, it currently offers e-commerce and payment solutions services to millions of Nigerians across the country’s six geo-political zones.

“With the knowledge that experience in any given field is the pathway to increased expertise and economic stability, Jumia is opening its doors to give tech talents across Nigeria positions with its structure.”

Jumia said: “its commitment to local talent development is also about creating meaningful, high-impact employment opportunities. In a region where unemployment remains a pressing issue, Jumia is leading the charge.

“By recruiting local talents, the company contributes to economic growth, social upliftment, and personal fulfilment for countless individuals. In addition, the ripple effect of Jumia’s local talent recruitment strategy extends far beyond their workforce. With a position at Jumia, present and prospective employees play crucial roles in the development of Nigeria and Africa’s tech ecosystem. ”

According to human resources director, Jumia Nigeria, Enitan Oyenuga, the purpose of the recruitment drive is to provide invaluable opportunities for career growth to tech talents within Nigeria and Africa.

She said: “the sustained technological evolution the world has witnessed in the past few decades has made it expedient for everyone, particularly those in the tech space, to engage in a continuous cycle of learning, unlearning, and re-learning.

“The tech sector is unique because new trends pop up every day and these trends create demands for skills that were hitherto either nonexistent or simplified. With the recruitment drive, Jumia is providing numerous tech talents with an ecosystem where they are always ahead of the curve caused by the continued evolution in tech. This way, our employees remain catalysts in the tech ecosystem.”

Jumia also said: “another strategic way the company has created and provided an invaluable ecosystem for tech talents to grow, innovate and proffer solutions to real-life challenges is through its Jumia Tech Hub”