Technology is often seen as a great equaliser. But in Nigeria’s marginalised communities, access to digital opportunities is still far from equal. While global trends shift rapidly in demographic changes, economic instability, climate shifts, technology is reshaping how people work, learn, and earn. And in the midst of it all, young people, women, persons with disabilities, and displaced populations are navigating a new kind of labour market.
We approached this report with a big question: How exactly is technology influencing employment for those who have long been excluded?
This study is rooted in their lived experiences. We spoke with over 1,000 young people, many of them women, from underserved communities, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons. We also engaged 300 employers across Northern, Eastern, and Western Nigeria to understand the gaps, biases, and possibilities for inclusive hiring.
What we found is a mix of resilience and roadblocks. Digital platforms are removing traditional barriers to work. But systemic and structural inequalities continue to hold back the full potential of inclusive, tech-enabled employment.