Owanate Amachree To Train Next Generation of Africa’s Tech Changemakers

In a continent brimming with untapped potential, the challenge of unemployment and poverty continues to loom large. According to the African Development Bank, in 2015, one-third of Africa’s then 420 million young people between 15 and 35 years old were unemployed, another third were vulnerably employed, and only 1 in 6 was in wage employment.

Although Africa has the lowest unemployment rate globally on paper among youth ages 15 to 24 (10.6 per cent in 2021, according to the International Labor Organization), the majority of Africa’s youth work informally, and many are underemployed or remain in poverty despite working due to low wages and the lack of a social safety net, making it difficult to compare African countries to more advanced economies.

Africa’s youth employment crisis is a global concern. Sustainable global development is unattainable when a significant portion of the youth are marginalised and ill-prepared to lead their continent and the world.

Digitalisation is one of the most transformative opportunities of our time and a potent tool to eradicate poverty. Right before our eyes, digital technologies are constantly evolving, changing societies and our everyday lives.

The rapid speed of new technologies presents new opportunities, but not everyone has the digital skills to thrive in this new normal. Techrity Innovation Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, is on a mission to address this challenge and equip Africa’s youth with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the digital age. Founded in 2020, Techrity aims to leverage technology as a powerful catalyst for social transformation.

Digital advancements are changing the world of work. It is estimated that over the next ten years, 9 out of 10 jobs globally will require digital skills. This digital transformation has the potential to reverse the trend of ‘jobless growth’ in Africa, altering the structure of African economies by investing in digitally-enabled decent jobs.

Techrity is described as a source of hope, equipping thousands of people in Africa with essential technological skills and resources needed to kickstart, build solutions and thrive in a tech career. In just four years of operation, Techrity’s impact is already evident.

The organisation has connected over 500 young individuals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda, India, and beyond with experienced mentors who guide them through the intricacies of in-demand tech fields.

By offering mentorship programs that focus on equipping participants with practical skills, laptops and browning internet data support to cater to those who can’t afford the rising cost of data, encouraging innovation via Tech for Good and Hack for Good programs, Techrity is not just opening doors to career opportunities—it is actively building the next generation of Africa’s tech changemakers.

The foundation’s efforts show that when harnessed effectively, technology can be a powerful equaliser, breaking down barriers to opportunity and empowering individuals to build better futures for themselves and their communities.

Owanate Amachree is the brain behind Techrity. She is a certified technical communicator with over four years of experience in the Web3 blockchain industry.

She is deeply committed to the power of individual contributions in driving collective change. As a respected leader in Africa’s tech industry, she understands the transformative potential of having an in-demand career. Through her foundation, Techrity, she actively empowers others to achieve this.

Amachree is also the convener of the annual Tech for Good Conference in Nigeria, an event showcasing technology’s immense potential in driving social impact across the continent.

With over 300 attendees at the most recent event, the event brings together innovators, social impact organisations, and tech enthusiasts to explore how technology can address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.

A highlight of the conference is the Hack for Good Hackathon, where participants develop tech-driven solutions to real-world problems. More than 20 social impact organisations have been involved, and over 10 projects have received support through this initiative.

Owanate’s vision for Techrity extends beyond simply teaching technical skills. She understands that the true potential of Africa’s youth lies in their ability to use technology to innovate and lead with it.

By focusing on mentorship and practical hands-on training, providing learners with browsing data and laptop support, Techrity is nurturing a generation of tech-savvy individuals who are job-ready and equipped to become tomorrow’s changemakers.

This approach is crucial in ensuring that the benefits of technology are felt across all segments of society, particularly in regions where access to quality education and opportunities remains limited.

As Africa grapples with the dual challenges of unemployment and poverty, initiatives like Techrity offer a beacon of hope.

Amachree’s work reminds us that with the right support and resources, we have the potential to drive the continent’s digital transformation and create lasting social impact. Techrity lays the groundwork for a future where technology catalyses inclusive growth and development across Africa by training the next generation of tech changemakers.