Expert advocates community-driven innovation in Nigeria’s tech space

A Salesforce Developer and prominent technology advocate, Abdullahi Abdulkareem, has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital economy to adopt a community-driven approach to innovation, saying that the future of technological advancement lies not only in infrastructure but in people-centered collaboration.

Abdulkareem made this call while launching Naijaforce, the first local Salesforce community group in Nigeria, where he emphasized the role of developer communities, mentorship programs, and grassroots innovation in transforming Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. According to him, the most powerful tech solutions are those built “by communities, for communities.”

“The most powerful tech solutions are not created in isolation,” he said. “They are built by communities, where people come together to learn, collaborate, and solve real-life problems.”

With a strong background in cloud-based automation and Salesforce development, Abdulkareem has consistently pushed for the inclusion of scalable, practical tools in local development strategies. He noted that such tools enable both individuals and businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

He believes Nigeria’s focus on coding skills is a good start but insists the country must move beyond technical training to prioritize problem-solving, teamwork, and user-centered innovation. “We need to teach more than just coding,” he said. “We need to teach how to build solutions that serve actual users. That’s the future.”

Abdulkareem also pointed out the impact of platforms such as GitHub, Salesforce, and local bootcamps in expanding access to digital knowledge. These platforms, he said, are democratizing tech and creating a more inclusive environment for young Nigerians eager to break into the tech industry.

“We often focus on technology itself, but we need to invest equally in people and relationships,” he said. “Mentorship, open knowledge-sharing, and grassroots innovation are what will move Nigeria forward.”

His advocacy comes at a time when Nigeria is increasingly recognized as a growing digital hub on the African continent. However, Abdulkareem warns that unless local talent is properly supported through community-based initiatives, the country risks stalling its momentum.

He also urged policymakers and private sector leaders to bridge the gap between experienced professionals and newcomers in tech. “If we lift each other up, we all rise,” he said. “Let’s build a future where innovation is not imported—but grown, nurtured, and shared by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”

With continued investment in people-driven solutions, Abdulkareem believes Nigeria can become a global leader in inclusive technology—one that empowers communities and builds lasting solutions from the ground up.