Nigeria Emerges as a Digital Skills Powerhouse, Leads GenAI Learning in Africa – Coursera Report
Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented surge in digital skills development, fueled by its young, tech-savvy population, rising mobile connectivity, and growing demand for career-aligned credentials, according to Coursera’s newly released 2025 Global Skills Report.
The report highlights Nigeria’s potential to become a global tech leader, particularly in high-growth fields like cybersecurity, software development, and generative AI (GenAI).
Digital Skills Growth in Nigeria: Key Highlights
- 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 35, providing a deep talent pool for the digital economy.
- Cybersecurity demand is set to grow by 87% in Nigeria by 2030.
- 98% YoY increase in GenAI course enrollments among Nigerian learners.
- 22% YoY growth in Professional Certificate enrollments, showing demand for job-ready skills.
- 73% of learners in Nigeria access Coursera via mobile, the highest among spotlighted countries.
Generative AI Takes the Lead in Online Learning
Globally, Generative AI is now the fastest-growing skill category on Coursera, with:
- Over 8 million enrollments
- Nearly 700 GenAI courses
- 12 new learners enrolling per minute
In Nigeria, GenAI course enrollments nearly doubled in just one year—reflecting local enthusiasm and alignment with global trends.
“Generative AI has rapidly gained both investment and adoption across sectors,” said Greg Hart, Coursera CEO.
“What’s most inspiring is how online learning is creating a level playing field for millions of learners across emerging markets.”
Mobile Learning Fuels Nigeria’s Digital Leap
With over 230 million smartphone connections, Nigeria leads Coursera’s spotlighted countries in mobile learning adoption:
- 73% of learners use mobile devices to access Coursera.
- This mobile-first approach is breaking barriers in rural areas and underserved communities.
- It supports inclusive education and extends opportunities for women, youth, and professionals in transition.
Government Support: The 3MTT Initiative
The Nigerian government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program is playing a pivotal role in upskilling the workforce. The initiative aims to train 3 million Nigerians in high-demand digital skills, including:
- Software Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
This public-private partnership is reinforcing Nigeria’s tech talent pipeline and digital transformation agenda.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s Digital Learning Boom
Coursera’s report also shows that Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing the fastest growth in digital learning globally:
- 8 million+ learners across SSA – a 20% increase from last year.
- 65% of learners in the region use mobile devices.
- 134% year-over-year increase in GenAI enrollments across SSA.
- Countries like Botswana are leading in gender parity, with women comprising 50% of learners.
- South Africa reports 93% of organisations are running active AI programs.
Despite challenges such as the gender gap in advanced tech, SSA is embracing AI and emerging technologies at a rapid pace.
Key Takeaways
- Nigeria’s youth population and mobile access are accelerating digital skill development.
- Enrollments in GenAI and career-oriented certificates are rising sharply.
- Public initiatives like 3MTT are driving national digital transformation.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming a major growth region for tech skills, with Nigeria at the forefront.
