Hot SourceSunday Ehigiator
The 2025 edition of the African Workforce Summit (AWS) was recently held in Lagos with a call to address Nigeria’s unemployment crisis through provision of practical interventions, such as skill acquisition and various forms of investment.
Over two days, the event played host to a diverse audience of early-career professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and development stakeholders.
The summit, designed to equip young professionals with actionable tools and strategies, featured a range of hands-on activities such as CV revamp stations, live interview simulations, LinkedIn profile consultations, professional headshots, and personalised career guidance sessions.
One of the standout features was a pitch competition, where emerging entrepreneurs presented their business ideas for a chance to win a $1,000 seed grant.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of AWS, Joel Moses Babatunde, emphasised the summit’s focus on workforce development. “Not everyone will become an entrepreneur, and that is perfectly fine,” he stated.
“Some will build their futures through employment, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the skills, tools, and leadership mindset to succeed.”
The summit also hosted a series of panel discussions and masterclasses addressing key themes such as workplace leadership, innovation, corporate culture, mental wellness, and strategic career development.
Notably, a workshop led by performance coach Olakunle Soji-Oke explored the habits and mindset required for high-impact professional growth, while HR strategist Emmanuel Faith offered expert guidance on salary negotiations.
Sycamore Group served as the summit’s headline sponsor. Its Co-founder, Onyinye Okonji, reiterated the company’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“We believe platforms like AWS are vital to cultivating a more resilient, skilled, and employable generation,” she said. “Solving the unemployment challenge requires investment in those building solutions.”
Among the most engaging sessions was a multigenerational dialogue on workplace dynamics, featuring Gen Z and Millennial professionals sharing perspectives.
Another highlight was a panel on startup resilience in Africa, moderated by Kayode Okikiolu, with insights from Onyinye Okonji, Ngozi Nwabueze, and Akpor Ikogho.
