FITC Tech4Growth Techathon Harnesses African Talents for Growth 

Oluchi Chibuzor

Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) has ignited innovation through the launch of its much-awaited FITC Tech4Growth Techathon. 

The highly anticipated FITC Tech4Growth Techathon kicked off with a soaring turnout of distinguished judges, mentors, tech visionaries, and eminent figures from both the tech and financial services sectors, all converging to discuss the theme: “Tech4Growth: Building Africa with Talents.”

The Techathon is one of FITC’s many innovative offerings targeted at youths and young people, aimed at equipping them with the essential skills and engagements required to thrive in the digital economy. 

The panel session moderated by MD/CEO, FITC, Chizor Malize, featured Technology experts and digital enthusiasts such as Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO, Future Africa; Ashley Immanuel, COO, Semicolon; Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General (Strategy and Innovation) at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, CEO, Futuresoft, and Charles Emembolu, CEO, Crestsage Limited.

Managing Director/CEO, FITC, Chizor Malize, emphasized the need to build a sustainable talent ecosystem to achieve sufficient digital growth and technology development across Africa. She highlighted FITC’s intervention through the recently Launched TECH4Growth iEARTH Techathon, an acronym representing Innovation for Environment, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Transportation, and Healthcare. 

“The FITC Techathon would empower young minds from across Africa to embark on projects in critical domains, developing apps, businesses, innovations, and solutions. The transformative ideas from the Tech4Growth Techathon would then materialize into impactful projects and business opportunities, all under the guidance of over 28 mentors and judges” she added.

Managing Director/CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, who was represented by Taiwo Aluko, CIO, Sterling Bank highlighted the critical role of technology and innovation in Africa’s growth trajectory. 

He emphasized the potentials that can be harnessed with the nation’s talent pool and the increasing need to create tech jobs in Africa in order to accelerate economic growth. He stressed the need to empower youths to pioneer technological innovation for continental growth.

The COO of Semicolon, Ashley Immanuel, underscored Africa’s monumental potential.

Echoing Immanuel’s sentiments, the CEO of Futuresoft, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, emphasized the need for a mindset shift from traditional resources like oil and gas and the financial sector to nurturing the abundant wellspring of young African talents. 

She called for policies that promote talent investment and make technology a central driver of socioeconomic development across various sectors. Begho further implored stakeholders to explore innovative models to leapfrog traditional approaches and position Africa for a prosperous tomorrow. “Africa is rising, and the critical factor is what we are doing today to be ready for tomorrow” she enthused. 

CEO of Crestsage Limited, Charles Emembolu, highlighted the existing gaps in various sectors due to the underutilization of technology. He astutely noted that some sectors have not yet recognized the depths of opportunities technology can unlock for them.

 Special Assistant to the Director General (Strategy and Innovation) at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Iklima Musa Salihu, provided valuable insights into the agency’s relentless efforts to develop and regulate IT in Nigeria. 

She further stated, “Tech has evolved as a powerful force for socioeconomic development, and Nigeria must capitalize on its comparative advantages, including a talented and youthful population”.