Abstract

Abstract
As the need for statistical and data science knowledge is growing as a result of big data and artificial intelligence, young African statisticians, demographers and data scientists need more than training. They require opportunities to use their skills and spearhead data-driven solutions. Drawing on my experience as a Statistics lecturer at Federal Polytechnic Oko in Nigeria, a beneficiary of Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme in Data Science and a participant in professional decision-making bodies, I will explore how a youth data workforce policy can remove barriers that limit young data professionals’ access to public systems and create opportunities for them to contribute, influence decisions and lead. I will address four questions:
• What existing policies support Nigeria’s youth data workforce?
• What gaps or structural barriers still exist?
• How do we enable young data professionals to contribute and lead?
• How can government and its institutions be held accountable for results?
To unlock Africa’s data potential, it is important to move beyond just developing skills and focus on real workforce participation. Governments and institutions should help young African data professionals build their careers and get fully involved in decision-making and leadership.