Chief Executive Officer of HOMI Group and founder of Glide, Miriam Imoh, in this interview with GLORIA NWAFOR, speaks on the future of work, youth employment and the role of technology in Africa’s economic transformation.

Experts and public commentators believe that across Africa, relying on a single source of income is becoming increasingly risky. Do you agree with this view?
The economic realities across Africa make it increasingly difficult for many households to depend solely on a single salary. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a large proportion of employment in sub-Saharan Africa remains informal, while the African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that the continent creates far fewer formal jobs each year than the number of young people entering the labour market.

For millions of Africans, combining a regular job with freelance work, farming, trading, or other income-generating activities has become an economic necessity rather than a lifestyle choice. The initiative was designed with this reality in mind by bringing opportunities from different sectors into a single digital ecosystem.

Whether it is a nurse seeking additional care coordination opportunities through CareConnect Hub, an artisan looking for more customers through Workman Jobs Connect, or a farmer connecting directly with buyers through AgriConnect, the idea is to enable people to earn from their skills rather than depend entirely on a single employer. The philosophy is simple. Sustainable wealth is often built on multiple streams of income rather than a single monthly salary.

Youth unemployment remains a major concern in Nigeria and across Africa. Beyond discussing the problem, what practical role can digital platforms play?
Access is one of the biggest challenges facing young Africans. Many possess talent and ambition but lack access to affordable training, current industry knowledge, practical mentorship and direct links to employment.

Nigeria’s unemployment and underemployment challenges continue to affect millions of young people, while many others remain outside the formal labour market. Across Africa, governments and development partners continue searching for sustainable solutions. Digital platforms can help bridge some of these gaps by reducing the distance between learning and earning.

The digital ecosystem virtual training hub was developed with that objective. Rather than offering static courses, it focuses on practical skills that reflect current market needs. More importantly, users who complete training can immediately explore opportunities within the same ecosystem rather than begin another lengthy search elsewhere.

Many Nigerians are moving into freelancing and small businesses. How does technology support that transition?
The internet has significantly lowered the barriers to starting a business. Someone with a valuable skill can now reach customers far beyond their immediate community. However, visibility remains a major obstacle. An artisan in Ibadan, a software developer in Nairobi or a farmer in Ogun State may all possess valuable products or services, but still struggle to reach paying customers. So, the platform attempts to address this through specialised platforms.

The Artisan Marketplace provides a digital space for craftspeople to showcase their products, while Startup launch offers entrepreneurs tools to improve visibility and connect with potential collaborators. Rather than competing for attention on platforms built primarily for larger global markets, users can focus on opportunities designed around African realities and local economic needs.

One criticism often levelled against digital platforms is that users have little control over their data and opportunities. How does your firm address this concern?
Trust has become one of the defining issues in today’s digital economy. Many online platforms generate revenue primarily from user data, targeted advertising or algorithm-driven recommendations that users cannot fully understand or control.

The venture adopts a different approach by allowing users to determine how they engage with the available platforms. Individuals decide which services to use, how they present themselves, what opportunities they pursue and which skills they develop.

Instead of relying solely on automated matching systems, users retain greater control over their career paths and business decisions. This approach is particularly relevant in Africa, where the informal economy supports millions of households yet often receives limited institutional support despite its enormous contribution to employment and livelihoods.

Some observers say Africa’s biggest challenge is not talent but opportunity. What do you think about this?
Across Nigeria and the wider African continent, there is little shortage of creativity, innovation or entrepreneurial ambition. The greater challenge has often been access to the infrastructure that allows those ideas to become sustainable businesses.

Each year, policymakers, economists and development organisations release reports highlighting youth unemployment and proposing long-term reforms. While those policy discussions remain important, many young people require immediate opportunities to earn, build businesses and develop practical skills.

The platform positions itself as digital infrastructure rather than a policy intervention. Its nine integrated platforms cover employment, agriculture, productivity, property, events, healthcare support services, entrepreneurship, vocational learning and artisan commerce.

These are sectors where millions of Africans are already working, often without adequate digital support. The objective is to provide practical tools that enable users to expand their opportunities, strengthen existing businesses and improve their earning potential in an increasingly digital economy.

Ultimately, the platform reflects a broader belief that Africa’s young population does not lack ideas or determination. What has often been missing is accessible infrastructure capable of connecting those ideas with real economic opportunities.