In an era defined by cautious capital, talent migration, and an unrelenting drive for digital transformation, Africa’s biggest job fair set out to address one of the continent’s most persistent economic challenges, bridging the gap between skills and opportunity.
The 2025 African Workforce Summit (AWS), held recently in Lagos, brought together hundreds of young professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers under one roof to chart a path toward improving the continent’s workforce.
“It’s not enough to tell young people to dream big. We have to equip them to pursue those dreams,” said Joel Moses Babatunde, convener of the summit, during his opening remarks.
He challenged the old, often divisive debate of entrepreneurship versus paid employment, arguing that Africa’s youth need tools to thrive in both spheres. “Not everyone will lead a startup, but everyone deserves the tools to lead a career,” he said.
The summit’s agenda reflected this ethos. Participants moved between founder-led masterclasses and hands-on workshops tackling the everyday realities of doing business in Africa — from building resilient teams to navigating patchy regulatory environments.
Sessions focused on supporting both skilled and unskilled workers, with a special emphasis on personal branding and development for Gen Z and millennial job seekers.
One standout panel, Innovation Against the Odds, explored how African startups continue to find creative solutions despite hurdles ranging from policy gridlock to the constant challenge of retaining talent.
Onyinye Okonji and Ngozi Nwabueze, both prominent figures in the region’s startup ecosystem, shared stories that underscored a vital point: developing people matters just as much — if not more — than funding ideas.
“It is not just about funding ventures. It is about developing people who can lead, create, and adapt,” Okonji said. “AWS reflects that mission.”
Douglas Kendyson, CEO of Selar, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the power of steady, consistent work. He argued that Africa’s so-called “talent gap” could be narrowed if more young people approached their careers as marathons rather than sprints.
For many who attended, the summit was a timely reminder that Africa’s workforce crisis won’t be solved by motivational speeches alone — but by deliberate, scalable interventions that meet young people where they are: in real time, with real opportunities.
Participants like Sanni Iyanuoluwa Esther described the event as an eye-opener. “One thing I learned during the entrepreneurial mindset session was the importance of having your own skill — to know what you can do before seeking employment,” she said.
For Victor Eniayewu, a young marketing strategist, the summit offered more than just practical tips, it provided community.
“What I enjoyed most was realising I’m not the only one looking for better work experiences and trying to get it right in my career,” he said. “It’s good to have a community of people who want the same thing.
These are issues that need to be discussed. And it was great to finally network in person with people I’d only met online. It’s a profound experience — both for my career and as a young professional.”
