Musty Mustapha, the Managing Director of Kuda Microfinance Bank, has emphasized the urgency for Nigerian tech talents to engage in continuous upskilling to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving landscape of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, automation, and blockchain.
Mustapha delivered this message during his keynote address at the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable held in Lagos over the weekend. His warning comes in light of recent reports suggesting that advancements in AI technology could lead to significant job displacement globally.
Citing predictions by the World Economic Forum and Goldman Sachs, Mustapha highlighted the necessity for individuals to learn new skills or enhance existing ones to keep pace with technological advancements. The McKinsey Global Institute also projects that by 2030, around 14% of the global workforce may need to consider changing careers due to digitization, robotics, and AI advancements.
In stressing the importance of continuous learning, Mustapha noted the abundance of resources available online, from platforms like YouTube to learning portals such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning. He emphasized that individuals have no excuse for not enhancing their skills, given the accessibility of knowledge.
Beyond technical proficiency, Mustapha underscored the increasing significance of soft skills in fintech careers, including communication, teamwork, project management, innovation, and problem-solving. He emphasized the necessity for these skills in career advancement and fostering collaboration within diverse teams.
Ethical considerations also took center stage in Mustapha’s address, with him highlighting the importance of responsible innovation and ethical decision-making in Nigeria’s fintech landscape. He advocated for the integration of ethics into fintech-specific digital literacy initiatives to ensure informed ethical decisions in the progress of emerging technologies.
Sustainability emerged as another key focus area, with Mustapha urging professionals to acquire expertise in green fintech, sustainable finance, and eco-friendly technology solutions. Understanding environmental policies tailored to fintech, such as responsible investing and sustainable financial product development, was also highlighted as crucial.
Mustapha expressed confidence that as Nigeria’s fintech workforce embraces upskilling amid the technological revolution, the industry is primed for continued growth and innovation. By prioritizing continuous learning, ethical decision-making, and sustainability, professionals can position themselves for success in the dynamic fintech landscape, contributing to Nigeria’s economic development and global competitiveness.
