As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem expands, one of its most pressing challenges remains connecting its highly skilled tech talent with global product-driven opportunities.
While Nigeria boasts a wealth of tech professionals, many struggle to find access to roles at major international tech companies.
According to digital marketing and tech strategy expert, Olamide Egbayelo, the key to bridging this talent gap lies in adopting a strategic digital and tech marketing approach that positions talent and nurtures it for long-term success.
With her background in digital marketing and tech product strategy, Olamide has managed initiatives that connected African tech professionals with global companies such as Google and Amazon. Her experience at Gebeya Inc., where she contributed to linking tech talents to career opportunities, has shaped her belief that businesses must implement strategic marketing and product engagement to ensure talent is recognised globally.
For Olamide, the first step in bridging the talent gap is positioning Nigerian tech talent effectively in the global marketplace. “You can’t rely on traditional job boards to fill product roles. You need a proactive, ongoing strategy to position talent where global tech companies can see it,” she stated. Through content marketing and thought leadership, tech professionals can showcase their expertise and solve real-world problems through their work.
Platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Dev.to are indispensable for tech professionals who want to build their digital footprint. By contributing to open-source projects on GitHub or writing technical blogs on Dev.to, talents can demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and prove their value to global tech companies looking for specialised skills. “These platforms provide a public portfolio that global companies can review, helping them see the potential of Nigerian talent,” Olamide added.
Building engaged tech communities is another critical piece of the puzzle. Olamide stressed that communities provide tech talent with both visibility and networking opportunities. “Tech communities serve as incubators for professional growth and innovation,” she said. Communities on Slack, Discord, and even X (formerly Twitter) allow professionals to share insights, learn from each other, and engage in collaborative projects that can lead to job opportunities and product-driven challenges.
For Nigerian tech professionals, these communities offer valuable connections and provide access to real-time industry trends and best practices. Engaging in these communities is crucial for staying competitive in the global tech industry, where companies seek innovators and thought leaders.
Alongside content creation and community participation, Olamide emphasised the importance of upskilling to ensure Nigerian tech talent is competitive for product-driven opportunities in the global market. “Global companies are seeking specialised talent in high-demand areas like cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain. Talent must actively develop expertise in these areas to be considered for global roles,” she explained.
Olamide’s approach to talent marketing isn’t just about finding talent—it’s about ensuring that talent is prepared for the evolving demands of global tech products. Digital platforms can highlight upskilling initiatives, whether through certifications, online courses, or industry-specific training programs, helping talent stay ahead of the curve.
Olamide also advocated for product-focused marketing when attracting top tech talent. For companies seeking to hire global tech professionals, she believes it’s critical to position their roles and work culture to align with the values and needs of today’s top talent. “In the competitive landscape of tech talent, it’s not just about filling product roles; it’s about creating a compelling narrative around your company and its projects,” Olamide said.
Digital marketing for talent acquisition needs to go beyond simple job postings. Companies must use strategic campaigns that highlight career growth opportunities, project innovation, and impact within the company. Showcasing real-world applications of their tech products, work culture, and employee development programs allows businesses to attract talent aligned with their mission and values.
Ultimately, Olamide believes that a strategic digital and tech marketing approach is the only way to bridge the talent gap in Nigeria.
“The solution isn’t just about matching job seekers with job posts it’s about creating a robust ecosystem where talent and global companies can actively engage, learn, and grow together. By strategically positioning Nigerian tech talent and aligning it with global product needs, talent and businesses can thrive in the competitive tech landscape,” she added.
