Experts Advocate for AI Training Linked to Job Opportunities

At the BUILD 2026 panel in Abuja, experts discussed the critical need to link AI training with job opportunities. Olayinka Iyinlokan, Founder of the Centre for the Digitisation of Indigenous African Languages, warned that African languages are underrepresented in AI training datasets and advocated for the development of open African-language datasets.

Modupe Adebimpe, Head of Operations and Projects at Prosperity Tech, highlighted the necessity of equipping talent to solve real-world problems and urged employers to collaborate with training providers. Izoduwa Precious Asemota, Founder of Cyan Academy, called for a jobs-first approach in technology training, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and pathways to employment.

Professor Sunday Olatunji from Adekunle Ajasin University advocated for integrating AI education across disciplines and called for stronger partnerships between universities and industries. The panel reaffirmed that Africa's AI future relies on connecting education to employment and investing in local innovation.