The Alternative Bank calls for tech investment to empower young nigerian innovators

The Alternative Bank has reiterated the need for targeted support and provision of critical technology resources to Nigeria’s youth, emphasizing the role of innovation in driving sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the Jericho Businessmen Club’s (JBC) third Annual Socio-Economic Summit, the non-interest lender highlighted that deliberate investment in human capital and ecosystem support for young innovators is essential to translating ideas into scalable solutions. 

The summit, which brought together business leaders, policymakers, and academics, focused on bridging the widening digital skills gap among Nigerian youths and fostering sustainable economic models.

The Executive Director (South) of The Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyin underscored that technology is a key driver of economic inclusion and competitiveness. 

“Technology is the most potent equalizer in modern commerce, and by investing in the technological upliftment of our youth, we are future-proofing our economy,” he said. 

“We believe in providing alternatives not just in finance, but in opportunity, ensuring local talent have the tools and environment to compete globally.”

Demola-Adeniyi further revealed plans for strategic partnerships identified during the summit, including bespoke non-interest financing schemes tailored for technology entrepreneurs and vocational skills acquisition programs. 

The initiatives are designed to transform local innovation hubs into centers of excellence capable of producing world-class digital solutions.

The Bank emphasized that its interventions align with Nigeria’s broader macroeconomic goals, particularly the push to diversify revenue away from crude oil and strengthen emerging sectors. Empowering young people with digital and vocational skills, it noted, is vital to reducing youth unemployment and stimulating the creation of high-value services across industries, thereby supporting a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.

The Alternative Bank concluded that sustained collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders is essential to closing the digital divide. Its active participation in the JBC summit reinforces the Bank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, innovation, and positioning Nigerian youth as central players in the country’s digital transformation agenda.