The Managing Director of Kuda Microfinance Bank, Musty Mustapha, has said that Nigerian tech talents will need to embark on urgent upskilling to remain relevant in the face of the swift advancement coming to emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, automation, and blockchain.
Mustapha stated this while giving a keynote address at the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable held in Lagos at the weekend. The warning came against the backdrop of recent reports that advancement in AI technology may lead to loss of jobs globally.
The World Economic Forum has predicted that by 2025, half of all employees globally will need to learn new skills or enhance existing ones to keep pace with these advancements.
Goldman Sachs also recently warned of AI potentially replacing hundreds of millions of jobs, while a report by the McKinsey Global Institute projects that by 2030, approximately 14% of workers worldwide may need to consider changing careers due to the impact of digitization, robotics, and advancements in AI.
According to Mustapha, this underscores the importance of learning new skills or enhancing existing ones to keep pace with technological advancements.
Speaking on the need for continuous learning, Mustapha said,
In addition to technical proficiency, Mustapha said there is a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills in fintech careers. He emphasized the need for skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, innovation, and problem-solving, which are essential for career advancement and fostering collaboration within diverse teams.
According to him, ethical considerations are also taking center stage in Nigeria’s fintech landscape, with professionals prioritizing responsible innovation and ethical decision-making.
Mustapha said sustainability has also emerged as a key focus area within Nigeria’s fintech sector.
He expressed confidence that as Nigeria’s fintech workforce embraces upskilling amid the technological revolution, the industry is poised for continued growth and innovation.
According to him, by prioritizing continuous learning, ethical decision-making, and sustainability, professionals are positioning themselves for success in the dynamic landscape of fintech, contributing to Nigeria’s economic development and global competitiveness.