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IBM Boss Says “New Collar” Jobs to Transform Skills Market

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Ginni Rometty, president, chairman and CEO of IBM, during the launch of ‘Digital Nation’, recently.
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Africa has approximately 200 million people between the ages of 15 and 24. By 2040, the continent is expected to be home to the world’s largest labor force, with an estimated working age population of 1 billion.

Meanwhile, the Continent’s economies grapple with economic development challenges and the quest for growth and a new social order driven by technology, they will also need to make corresponding qualitative investments in their abundant human resource – or skills markets.

But, IBM boss has identified “new collar” jobs as the transformational.

The Continent’s economies continue to struggle with numerous development challenges and opportunities, underpinned by shifting commodity trade flows, global realignment of capital flows and the emergence of a new class of businesses and citizens keen on exploiting the latest technology tools and trends.

There is also a growing awareness that successive generations of Africans will need new skills sets which will enable them to compete globally.

This local-to-global mindset exists in Africa as well as in societies grappling with social and economic development across the world.

Analysts have referred to this trend as the arrival of economic globalization. Whether we realize it or not, economic globalization is real.

It brings with it advanced technologies, global value chains and pent up demand for a new caliber of technology-aware, mentally agile work force.

A raft of public and private sector initiatives seem poised to radically change the way companies calibrate job specifications and engage the job market for requisite skills and competencies.

Dipo Faulkner, IBM’s country general manager for West Africa said IBM’s new “Digital – Nation Africa” initiative is a direct response to this unfolding scenario, as it seeks to transform Africa’s skills landscape, beginning with the fast-growing economies of Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and Morocco.

Findings by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, has also revealed that Ghana, Mozambique and Mauritius will also be rolling out versions of this ground breaking initiative next year.

“You’ve obviously heard about white collar jobs, and blue collar jobs. This traditional classification was probably sufficient for the old era of work and industrialization. We are now in the new era of the knowledge-based economy and this unfolding era requires new skills sets, something we like to refer to as new collar jobs,” Faulkner says.

“New Collar” is a term used by IBM to describe new kinds of careers that do not always require a four-year college degree but rather sought-after skills in cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, cloud, and much more.

Faulkner explained that as part of IBM’s global agenda to build the next generation of skills required for the “new collar” careers, IBM is investing $70 million in much-needed digital, cloud, and cognitive IT skills to help support Africa’s 21st century workforce.

The initiative will provide a cloud-based learning platform designed to provide free skills development programs for up to 25 million African youths over five years, enabling digital competence and nurturing innovation in Africa.

 “Investing in human capital development and equipping the work force with relevant skill sets for fast changing world of work is crucial for economic growth,” Faulkner said. “In Nigeria, specifically, IBM will be partnering with government bodies and agencies, institutions in academia, civil society, technology incubators and development agencies including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has a special focus on fostering market-driven ICT skills in Africa and the Middle East.”

From all indications, the IBM initiative aligns with and supports the Nigerian government’s social investment programs, as outlined in the proposed 2017 fiscal budget. The Nigerian authorities plan to create jobs for 350,000 unemployed graduates as well as 50,000 non-graduate youths who will be engaged as artisans and in other creative fields.

This plan is under the N-Power Volunteer Corps, a component of the government’s Social Investment Programme. Of the N157.75bn reportedly being appropriated for the N-Power Volunteer Corps scheme in the 2017 budget, N4.5bn is expected to be earmarked for science, technology, engineering and mathematics program to support young Nigerians in building skills in those disciplines.

IBM’s big picture perspective is that for the youth of Africa to be able to benefit from a cognitive future there needs to be a much higher level of digital literacy. The global technology firm says that at the top of the skills pyramid are developers, who need to know how to create solutions that can leverage the power of cognitive, and entrepreneurs who are aware of marketplace opportunities and potential.

Experts in technology and academia say that the “IBM Digital – Nation Africa” scheme should help raise the continent’s overall digital literacy, increase the number of skilled developers able to tap into cognitive engines and enable entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs grow businesses around the new solutions.

Through a free, cloud-based online learning environment delivered on IBM Bluemix, the premier cloud platform for business, the initiative will provide a range of programs from basic IT literacy to highly sought-after advanced IT skills including social engagement, digital privacy, and cyber protection.

Advanced users will be able to explore career-oriented IT topics including programming, cybersecurity, data science and agile methodologies, as well as important business skills like critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to empower African citizens, entrepreneurs, and communities with the knowledge and tools to design, develop, and launch their own digital solutions.

IBM’s latest skills initiative for Africa will provide access to thousands of resources, in English, free of charge, including: Ready-to-use mobile apps; Guides – web guides, demonstrations, interactive simulations, video series, and articles; Online Assessments – A range of self-assessment tests to track the progress of individuals, together with industry recognized ‘Open Badges’ aligned to digital competencies.

The badges can then be shared with prospective employers: Volunteers – Creation of a volunteer program to support and promote digital literacy within their communities and App Marketplace – Provision of a platform on which new applications can either be made freely available or sold.

Faulkner was exchanging views with tech industry experts and media at IBM’s Client Innovation Center in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

“The demand for new collar skills will continue to grow, and we need to increase the number and nature of opportunities made available to workers,” he said.

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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NITDA Ignites a Revolution for Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s AI and Digital Economy

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In a powerful stride towards an inclusive digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading a transformative drive to empower Nigerian women in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital economy.

This commitment was resoundingly reiterated by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, at the “Innovate Her 25” conference, the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology.

Speaking at the event themed “Women in AI: Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation and Leadership,” Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, emphasised that true innovation blossoms not in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor – principles deeply embedded in NITDA’s operational ethos.

Highlighting Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Inuwa added that inclusivity is embedded as a core objective: “Our strategic roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our programmes directly benefit women and underserved groups. We have also developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure,” he explained.

Further underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in the digital space, Inuwa excitingly announced that in September 2025, NITDA will proudly host a Leadership Summit on AI. This landmark event will convene stakeholders from across the African continent, fostering a collaborative environment to forge a unified AI vision for Africa.

In alignment with the conference’s focus on empowering women in technology, the DG detailed NITDA’s diverse capacity-building initiatives spanning AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. “We work with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” he revealed, highlighting the agency’s broad reach.

NITDA stands ready to collaborate with organisations like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), actively encouraging proposals for bespoke programmes that cater to specific community needs. “We focus on targeted training with measurable outcomes, rather than generic approaches,” Inuwa affirmed, emphasising a results-oriented methodology.

He further spotlighted NITDA’s “Digital Literacy for All Initiative,” which seeks to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic partnerships with the NYSC and the integration of digital literacy into national school curricula, the agency plans to train over 30 million Nigerians — with a dedicated focus on underserved communities and public servants.

Addressing critical concerns surrounding ethical AI, Inuwa emphasised the importance of developing indigenous datasets and large language models reflective of Nigeria’s unique realities: “We are working closely with stakeholders to build local datasets that safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights and ensure ethical AI use,” he assured.

NITDA is also championing mentorship for women in technology through impactful initiatives such as Women Innovate. The agency warmly welcomes collaboration with NIWIT to design structured mentorship programmes and is open to formalising such partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

“NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward,” Inuwa declared.

The session concluded with a resounding call to action, urging women-focused organisations to leverage NITDA’s open-door policy and unite in advancing digital inclusion across Nigeria. The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive, and women are at its forefront.


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Amazon CEO Says AI will Reduce Number of Workers Needed

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Amazon’s management on Wednesday said that it expects that artificial intelligence software will reduce the number of office workers at the world’s largest online retailer.

Amazon CEO Says AI will Reduce Number of Workers Needed

Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon

“We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today and more people doing other types of jobs,” Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon  wrote in an email to employees.

He said it was difficult to predict how the overall workforce will evolve, but in the next few years, it is expected that AI efficiency gains will lead to a reduction in the number of office workers.

According to earlier reports, Amazon employed around 1.5 million people worldwide, with approximately 350,000 office employees in various roles.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the company does not anticipate further large-scale layoffs, as seen in 2022 and 2023, in the near future.

Instead, it expects that vacant positions will not be refilled.

However, layoffs are not ruled out, according to sources familiar with the matter.

“Amazon is focusing on so-called AI agents, software capable of independently performing tasks. These agents could, for example, summarise information from the web and data sources, write software, translate languages and automate many time-consuming tasks,” Mr Jassy explained.

“Agents will be teammates that we can call on at various stages of our work,” he added, urging employees to experiment with AI whenever possible.

The impact of AI on the job market has been a concern for many years.

Recently, Spotify, the leader in music streaming, announced that teams requesting additional staff would first need to prove that AI could not perform the tasks.

The creators of the language-learning app Duolingo plan to gradually replace external workers with AI.

 

 

 

 


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BPP Partners NDPC to Strengthen Data Protection

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Dr Adebowale Adedokun, director-general, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to data protection in Nigeria.

BPP Partners NDPC to Strengthen Data Protection

He disclosed this in a statement at the weekend by Zira Nagga, head of Public Relations, BPP, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Adedokun stressed that data protection is vital to Nigeria’s economy and development, particularly in areas such as demography, health, education, and other key sectors.

He emphasised that no country should leave its data unprotected, as it plays a crucial role in future planning and national development.

“Data governs the world. It is essential to technological progress and must be protected for a country or business to be taken seriously,” he said.

Adedokun described the visit, aimed at fostering partnership on data policy implementation and protection, as timely and aligned with national goals.

He said the BPP would collaborate closely with the NDPC to boost data development, capacity building, and enhance the procurement system.

“The BPP will support compliance as part of the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, although it is not a core procurement eligibility requirement,” he explained.

He suggested a hybrid training model to help build strong capacity in data protection, privacy awareness, and policy understanding.

According to him, a dynamic training approach will reduce logistics costs and improve public confidence in data safety and privacy.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, CEO, and national commissioner, NDPC, praised Adedokun and the BPP for supporting data protection initiatives.

He said the partnership supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision and will strengthen data privacy across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“The collaboration will create awareness and train BPP staff to ensure a firm grasp of data protection principles and policies,” he stated.

Olatunji said the NDPC would establish a working group to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding beneficial to both institutions.

He added that President Tinubu signed the NDPC into law on 12 June 2023 to uphold citizens’ rights and protect national and business data.

Olatunji also noted that strict legal measures were in place to enforce data protection and ensure full compliance nationwide.

Both agencies agreed to form a team to sign the MoU and focus on capacity building and data management in procurement and beyond.

 

 


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