Akinwale: With Good Mentorship, Nigeria’s Tech Industry Can Significantly Provide Employment

In this interview, UK-based Nigerian Tech and Talent Acquisition Expert, Rachael Akinwale, provides an outlook for the Nigeria Tech industry, and how mentorship can significantly improve the employment rate in the country

Give us an overview of your experience in talent acquisition within the technology industry?

Certainly, I’ve had the privilege of working in talent acquisition within the Fintech and technology sector for over 4 years in Nigeria and the UK. My experience has spanned various roles, from identifying and attracting top tech talent to managing the end-to-end recruitment process.

I’ve worked with tech companies of different sizes and have a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics.

As someone with an HR background in a Nigerian Fintech company to your new role as a talent acquisition expert position in the UK tech sector, what are some key changes this has afforded you in practice?

The transition from HR management to talent acquisition was indeed a shift in focus. While HR management in Fintech provided me with valuable insights into the industry, the move to the UK tech sector required adjustments in my approach.

I’ve adapted by emphasizing tech-specific skills and cultural fit, which are critical in the highly competitive UK tech market.

Can you further expatiate?

In my current role, I strongly emphasise collaborative efforts within the Talent Acquisition team. Drawing from my HR management background, I understand the value of fostering a supportive team culture.

I actively contribute to continuous learning, promote effective communication, and advocate for data-driven decision-making to optimize our talent acquisition efforts.

What is your assessment of the growth potential within the Nigerian FinTech Industry?

The Nigerian FinTech industry exhibits significant growth potential. It’s a dynamic sector driven by technological innovation and increased financial inclusion efforts. The country’s young and tech-savvy population further enhances its prospects.

However, addressing regulatory challenges and infrastructure gaps is essential to fully unlock this potential.

The increasing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, particularly in the tech sector, has become a noticeable trend. In your opinion, what implications does this trend have for the country?

This trend reflects both the ambition and the global competitiveness of Nigerian talent.

While it can result in a brain drain, it also presents opportunities for knowledge transfer and collaboration. Nigeria should focus on creating an enabling environment to retain its tech talent while fostering international partnerships.

From your perspective, how can the tech industry contribute to improving the employment situation in Nigeria?

The tech industry has the potential to significantly impact employment in Nigeria. Firstly, the industry can create jobs directly through tech-related positions, providing opportunities for graduates and professionals alike. Importantly, mentorship programs can help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Drawing from my own experiences, I’ve seen how mentorship can guide individuals, especially students and young professionals, towards tech careers. As an Alumni mentor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how personalized guidance and insights into the tech industry can empower students to make informed career choices.

Additionally, my involvement in providing mentorship opportunities in both Nigeria and the UK has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of mentorship.

By connecting aspiring tech enthusiasts with seasoned professionals, we not only equip them with the skills needed but also instil confidence and a clear career trajectory. This kind of mentorship extends beyond job placement; it empowers individuals to contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.

In essence, the tech industry can enhance employment prospects by not only creating jobs but also nurturing a culture of mentorship. By doing so, it addresses unemployment and fosters a thriving ecosystem of talent, innovation, and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

My journey is a testament to the impact of mentorship, and I’m committed to paying it forward by helping others navigate their pathways to success in the tech world.

What do you perceive as a significant barrier for individuals looking to start a tech career?

A major barrier is the perception that tech roles require extensive technical skills. Many individuals are discouraged from pursuing tech careers due to this misconception. However, the reality is that the tech sector offers a wide range of roles, including non-technical positions, making it accessible to diverse talent.

Tell us briefly about your experience working with AWS and how you’ve applied some of these insights in your work.

At AWS, we pride ourselves on embracing Amazon’s leadership principles, which are characterized by customer obsession, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

This unique company culture serves as the foundation for our work. In my role, I’ve applied these principles by consistently seeking individuals who share our passion for innovation and our dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

I’ve learned how a culture of innovation and customer-centricity can be a driving force in the technology industry. This understanding has been instrumental in helping me identify and engage with candidates who not only have the technical skills required for the roles but also possess the mindset and values that align with Amazon’s culture.

Looking ahead, what is your five-year outlook for the Nigerian tech industry?

Over the next five years, I envision continued exponential growth in the tech ecosystem. With ongoing innovation, increased investments, and evolving regulatory frameworks, the sector is poised for expansion.

I anticipate the emergence of more tech startups, job opportunities, and enhanced technological infrastructure to support this growth.