Joseph Kalu

In this special interview with Brand Tines, Joseph Kalu, chairperson of ACM SIGCHI Lagos chapter and the curator of World Usability Day Africa slated to hold in November disclosed that Nigeria is set to become a leading tech hub in the continent as international tech companies see it as a key entry point into the African market and her talent as world-class in project delivery. He also shared insights on how brands and government can contribute to the development of tech ecosystem including tools that those interested in joining the industry can leverage  among others. Excerpts:

The technology space is globally fast evolving, opening up frontiers for players to deepen their business. Significantly, with the opportunities emerging, how do you get started?

I’m a Senior Product Designer, leading design teams to create digital products for global brands. When I decided to get into tech, what I first considered was an area of tech that is timeless and has a gap in the market. In the fast-evolving tech space, the first thing to do is research market trends and identify gaps where skills are needed. It is important to identify the skill of the future, one that is well-paying, borderless and can get you hired across different countries. To identify this, speak to a career coach in any tech training institute. Next is to build a strong foundation in key tech areas like software development, data analytics, Product management, cybersecurity, etc. I’ll recommend learning such skills in a structured learning environment like the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and tech training schools. Finally, get mentorship from people who are trailblazers in your chosen field.

What kinds of skill set do you require to be a dominant service provider in this area?

The skillset required depends on the tech stack you want to pursue. This interview alone cannot cover all the skills for each tech stack. I’ll recommend you seek advice from a tech training institute. To be good in tech, it is important to identify one’s area of strength before venturing into learning. A person who is very creative, curious and detailed oriented, may be good in design compared to someone who isn’t. In the same way, a person who is good with words and writing may excel in UX writing, copywriting and content writing as compared to another who isn’t.

To be a leading service provider in software engineering, you need skills in programming languages (like Python and JavaScript), cloud computing (AWS, Google Cloud), cybersecurity, and so on. Soft skills like problem-solving, project management, and communication are also important skills to possess because as a person in tech, you’ll collaborate a lot with stakeholders and having soft skills is essential.

The world has hugely become globalized, manifesting in shrinking time and space to offer services. How is the use of technology driving this reality?

You know, one thing COVID did was teach us that we now live in a global village. Companies were forced to go remote and hiring remote workers worldwide skyrocketed. With this came some crazy advancement in technology that has hugely shrunk time and distance. Technology drives globalization by enabling instant communication and collaboration. People have now realized that they do not have to travel or move from one location to another to perform tasks or have meetings. Tools like Zoom, Jira and Slack let people work together, communicate and collaborate from anywhere in the world. Cloud services allow businesses to operate globally without a physical presence. According to the World Economic Forum, digital globalization has increased cross-border data flows by over 45 times since 2005, showing the impact of technology on reducing time and space.

Outsourcing is hugely turning out to be one of the strategies companies are embracing to get responsibilities discharged, saving huge costs and blocking other gaps. Is technology changing the narrative?

Yes, technology is making outsourcing more efficient. Companies from the US, UK and other parts of the world now outsource work to skilled talents in Nigeria thereby increasing these talents fx earning potentials which in turn grows the economy. With technology, it is now easier to work for a company overseas and receive payment in USD than it was 10 years ago.

Communication tools and project management software lead the frontline in enabling companies to outsource tasks globally. Countries like the Philippines have become a top outsourcing destination, with its BPO sector contributing $26 billion to the economy in 2020.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, forcing governments to introduce movement restrictions, working remotely has become the new fad. Specifically, how has technology accelerated this new normal?

With tools like Zoom, Teams, Google Meets and others, video conferencing is now easier than ever. Jira, Zoho, and Trello have made project management and collaboration issues a thing of the past. Project managers can hire teams across the world, have them do tasks and monitor their tasks efficiently without breaking a sweat. When it comes to internet connection, Starlink has made it possible for someone in the most remote part of the world to work efficiently. Of course, with solar inverters, power isn’t an issue. With these tools, remote work is now the new normal, enabling people to work effectively and efficiently from any part of the globe.

Technology has enabled remote work by providing tools for video conferencing, collaboration, and cloud-based applications. These tools help maintain productivity despite movement restrictions. According to Gartner, 88% of organizations worldwide encouraged remote work during the pandemic, thanks to robust IT infrastructure and digital strategies.

Working remotely is increasingly becoming the new reality for many organizations across the globe. How is technology helping to discharge an array of services for global brands?

Technology supports remote work by providing secure access to resources and enabling real-time collaboration. VPNs, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions ensure safe and efficient remote operations. Companies use AI tools to automate routine tasks, which helps these brands maintain high service quality. For example, Accenture uses AI and cloud computing to offer seamless consulting services worldwide.

Working remotely means many things to different people, in different places. How is the tech space exploring this culture shock to drive efficiencies?

There are a lot of adaptive technologies that have been created to drive remote work and promote an inclusive digital environment. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality tools create immersive virtual workplaces. Meta Quest recently launched a feature where people can collaborate virtually and work via their headsets. People can log into their computers, attend meetings and work in a virtual space at the comfort of their home and it’ll feel like they are in an office. That’s mindblowing.

Also, companies are investing in diversity and inclusion training for remote teams to help people not used to working with colleagues from other cultural backgrounds overcome these shocks. Nordic countries excel in remote work technology, supported by strong digital literacy and flexible work policies.

Nigeria has embraced technology to push for efficiencies in service delivery. Specifically speaking, how are players using this in different sectors of the economy?

I believe Nigeria has tremendously advanced in technology over the last 10 years. Technology is improving service delivery in many sectors. In finance, mobile banking and fintech solutions like Paystack, Opay, Moniepoint and Flutterwave are transforming everyday financial transactions. Products like Geegpay and Grey allow remote workers to receive payment worldwide without leaving their bedrooms. Healthcare uses telemedicine platforms for remote consultations. A user can just log into an app and get a consultation and medicine delivered to his house. In education e-learning platforms like uLesson are making it easier to learn and pass exams. In Agriculture, there are digital tools like Afrimash that connect farmers with markets.

From the financial services sector to telemedicine, education, healthcare, how are tech operators redefining paradigms?

Tech operators in these industries are redefining paradigms and changing the status quo by introducing innovative solutions to tackle indigenous problems. In finance, blockchain and AI improve security and efficiency. Telemedicine uses video conferencing and AI diagnostics for remote healthcare. E-learning platforms offer interactive and personalized education, while AI and big data in healthcare enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

What are the core values of your organization?

I am a product designer, the chairperson of ACM SIGCHI Lagos chapter and also the curator of World Usability Day Africa. For more information, visit my website (https://josephkalu.com/ ). The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI) is the world’s largest association of professionals who contribute towards the research and practice of human-computer interaction (HCI). We are an interdisciplinary group of computer scientists, software engineers, psychologists, interaction designers, graphic designers, sociologists, multi-media designers, information scientists, and anthropologists, just to name some of the domains whose special expertise comes to bear in this area. What brings us together is a shared understanding that designing useful and usable technology is an interdisciplinary process, and when done properly it has the power to transform lives.

The core values of ACM SIGCHI Lagos are innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. We aim to advance human-computer interaction research and practices in Nigeria, promote accessibility and usability in technology, and foster a collaborative community for professionals and enthusiasts. To become a member, please send an email to – acmsigchilagos@gmail.com

As a body, we are celebrating the World Usability Day coming up in November, we are hosting the first-ever World Usability Day event in sub-Saharan Africa and the event will take place in Lagos. This event will feature immersive workshop sessions where participants will be taught real-life applications for building products that are accessible and usable. At the end of the workshop, participants will be certified. There will also be a conference to discuss how Nigeria can be at the forefront of building products that are usable and accessible. To register for this event, please visit – https://wudafrica.com/.

To be part of the sponsors of this event, please visit – https://wudafrica.com/become-a-sponsor/

What should the Nigerian government do to grow the tech space?

As a Nigerian in Tech that have visited other countries and seen first-hand how the space is being enabled by their government, the Nigerian government should invest in digital infrastructure, like broadband internet and reliable power. With stable and subsidized electricity and internet, young people will have the tools to compete globally with their peers from other countries. The government should also implement policies that support local startups. Improving STEM education and offering incentives for tech training programs will help build a skilled workforce. Creating innovation hubs and funding research can also drive tech growth.

E-learning, e-commerce, surveillance, and other value chains are tech-propelled. What are the possible gaps regulatory agencies need to close to explore the burgeoning potential in the tech space?

Regulatory agencies need to address the gaps in data privacy and cybersecurity to protect consumers and businesses. E-commerce is a sector that has a really good potential for growth and clear policies will foster growth. Bottlenecks in areas like transportation and postal service should be removed so more companies can build innovative products and small businesses can tap the resources in e-commerce. For e-learning, stronger accreditation and quality assurance are needed. The Ministry of Education can partner with e-learning platforms to create learning content tailored to the Nigerian populace. Indigenous education content is an untapped market in Africa.

How much could the tech space pull into the country’s revenue till?

The tech space has great revenue potential for Nigeria. Though the sector is currently experiencing a decline for the fourth consecutive quarter, from the 10.32% growth rate recorded in Q1 2023 to a 5.43% y/y in Q1 2024 reaching a five-year low,  The ICT sector could contribute a significant GDP by 2025. The ICT sector contributed 17.89% to Nigeria’s total GDP in Q1 2024 despite its decline. The ICT sector includes telecommunications and information services, publishing, motion pictures, sound recording, music production, and broadcasting, driven by growth in fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. The sector has attracted significant foreign investment and could generate several billion dollars annually with continued support and innovation. In 2022 alone, an estimated $1.3 billion was raised in funding by tech startups. Revenue in the IT services market is projected to reach $2.17bn by the end of 2024.

Infrastructure is the backbone for tech efficiency. How would you rate Nigeria in comparison with other parts of the world?

Nigeria’s tech infrastructure over the last 10 years has greatly improved and is improving but still lags behind developed countries. While mobile internet penetration is high, broadband access and reliable power are challenges. Nigeria ranks 114th out of 140 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index for infrastructure. South Africa and Kenya have made more progress, providing benchmarks for Nigeria. The government should focus on providing affordable and constant electricity and internet access for us to be able to compete effectively with other countries in terms of technology.

Where do you see Nigeria in the tech space in the next few years?

Nigeria is set to become a leading tech hub in Africa. With a large, young population and increasing internet use, the country will see growth in fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. Government initiatives and private investments will drive innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global tech scene.

Is Nigeria the frontier market for tech service providers?

Yes, Nigeria is a frontier market for tech service providers due to its growing economy, large young population, and increasing digital adoption. The country offers many opportunities in finance, e-commerce, mobile services, and digital content. International tech companies see Nigeria as a key entry point into the African market and her talent as world-class in project delivery.

What is the market value of the tech service space in Nigeria, and how prepared are players in the sector to optimize this yawning opportunity?

As stated earlier, Nigeria’s market value in the tech service space is in billions. E-commerce is exploding with companies like Jumia, Konga, and Showdeck to mention but a few championing penetration.  Local startups are increasingly ready to seize this opportunity, with many receiving international recognition and funding. However, challenges like infrastructure and regulation need addressing to fully realize this potential. There should be regulations that level the playing field for new entrants to thrive in tech in Nigeria.

What could be done to pull more Nigerian youths into the tech service space?

To attract more Nigerian youths into the tech service space, the government and private sector should invest in STEM education and tech training programs. Universities should offer tech courses and employ highly trained staff to equip students with the relevant skills required to get a tech job. Offering scholarships, internships, and mentorships can also help in getting people into the space. Coding bootcamps and tech hubs can foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Showcasing success stories and creating a supportive ecosystem will inspire more youths to pursue tech careers.

In which specific sector is your organization pulling its strength?

ACM SIGCHI Lagos focuses on human-computer interaction (HCI), usability, and accessibility in technology. We focus on bridging the knowledge gap by providing education in form of webinars, conferences, and training for Nigerians to stay updated with world trends. We expose Nigerians to resources provided by ACM to improve the user experience in digital products and services. To join us, please send an email to – acmsigchilagos@gmail.com.

To also register for the World Usability Day event, please visit – https://wudafrica.com/. And https://wudafrica.com/become-a-sponsor/ to sponsor this event.

Lastly, how will you rate the Tinubu administration in the performance of the Digital Economy?

It’s too early to give a comprehensive rating for the Tinubu administration’s performance in the Digital Economy. The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy launching the 3MTT program to get more young Nigerians onboarded into tech is worthy of commendation. However, any administration’s success will depend on its ability to address infrastructure challenges, support tech education, and create policies that foster innovation and investment in the tech sector.