Of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another third are vulnerably employed, and only one in six is in wage employment.While 10 to 12 million youth enter the workforce each year, only 3.1 million jobs are created, leaving vast numbers of youth unemployed which poises a great challenge to the job creation eco system. This unemployment gap leaves us with no other option but to leverage the vast opportunities and potentials the technology ecosystem offers for development.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as one of the most influential innovations in human history, reshaping the global ecosystem. This disruptive technology significantly impacts the financial market, particularly the technology sector. Projections indicate that the anticipated revenue in the next decade will soar to $2.74 trillion. As depicted, the global estimated market size for Artificial Intelligence stood at $129.28 billion in 2022, and it is expected to surpass $2.7 trillion by 2032, exhibiting a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 36.8%
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), Vwakpor Efuetanu has emerged as a transformative figure, reshaping Africa’s tech landscape through innovative solutions that address unemployment and promote AI adoption. As the founder and CEO of Elite Global AI, a subsidiary of the Elite Global Intelligence Technologies, his vision for a digitally empowered Africa is steadily becoming a reality.
Efuetanu’s journey into AI technology was inspired by a deep desire to solve Africa’s socio-economic challenges, especially youth unemployment. He recognized that AI has the potential not just to disrupt industries but also to create new economic opportunities. Under his leadership, Elite Global AI has become a platform for fostering AI literacy, creating jobs, and equipping African youths with future-proof digital skills.
Through targeted training programs, Elite Global AI has empowered thousands of young Africans in fields such as data analytics, digital marketing, blockchain technology, and project management. Recently, the company launched an internship program that provides practical experience, certification, and even mentorship opportunities with international partners. Graduates from these programs often secure roles in global tech companies, thus narrowing the unemployment gap.
“Our mission is to harness the power of AI to transform lives by providing access to training, jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities,” Efuetanu shared in a recent interview on TVC.
Beyond job creation, Efuetanu has championed AI policy advocacy and public-private partnerships. His initiatives include high-level forums and AI summits where policymakers, tech leaders, and academics converge to explore AI’s role in Africa’s development.
One of his company’s standout achievements is the AI Advocacy Project for secondary schools, which raises awareness about AI’s real-life applications. Additionally, through collaborations with government ministries and international tech giants, Elite Global AI continues to push the boundaries of Africa’s AI ecosystem.
Vwakpor Efuetanu’s work has not gone unnoticed. His efforts have earned him multiple accolades, including being awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship Sustainability by the Chartered Institute of Politics and Public Resource Management, Ghana. This distinction made him the first Honorary Doctor of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria, a groundbreaking milestone that underscores his pioneering contributions to AI development in Africa.
Elite Global AI has also empowered over 20,000 young individuals on the application of AI for Data Analytics, Business Development, Education, and Content Creation through its targeted training programs. The organization has facilitated over 1,000 job placements and connected graduates with opportunities at Fortune 500 companies, including HP, National Research Group, Rev Road, Beats by Dre, Expedia, and National Geographic Society.
The company’s latest stride is the proposed launch of its latest AI tool, Elite Coach AI, an AI-powered platform designed to boost productivity, promote financial empowerment, and advance digital skills development. This tool will offer courses in Market Research, Digital Marketing/Content Creation, Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Blockchain Security, Community Management, Virtual Assistance, Project Management, and IT Support. Participants will gain cutting-edge skills and real-world experience in today’s most sought-after fields.
The company has also achieved remarkable success in public-private partnerships. In May 2024, Elite Global AI partnered with the Edo State Government to train 100 young people as AI experts. In December 2024, it collaborated with the United States Mission-America Corner to host a high-level forum on artificial intelligence featuring members of the Lagos State Government and high-ranking Nigerian-Italian private investors.
As Africa stands on the brink of a tech-driven future, leaders like Efuetanu exemplify how passion, innovation, and commitment can drive meaningful change. His story is a powerful reminder that technology, when harnessed effectively, can create jobs, uplift communities, and unlock Africa’s untapped potential in the global AI industry.
