Bright Jaja’s entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of 10 in Abuja, Nigeria, where he assisted his mother, a local trader, in the bustling market. Spending more time amidst market stalls than in the classroom, Jaja’s innate entrepreneurial spirit was evident from early on. His journey to success culminated in his recent inclusion in the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list.
At just 20 years old, Jaja established Redance Africa, a dance studio, showcasing his passion for innovation and creativity. His achievements continued to soar as he clinched the Abuja Young Fellowship Award and became the youngest speaker at Abuja’s inaugural TEDx event.
His most recent endeavor has captured widespread attention. In 2017, he established iCreate Africa, a social enterprise committed to tackling youth unemployment by promoting skills development across the continent. “Why aren’t young people pursuing existing jobs in the labor market?” questions Jaja. “Roles like bricklaying and carpentry, for instance. It’s because society has pigeonholed technical skills as options for the ‘uneducated.’ The perception is that ‘educated’ individuals attend university, obtain a degree, and emerge as lawyers, doctors, or accountants. But this is a stereotype. Education encompasses various forms.” Jaja is determined to “rebrand” technical and vocational skills that will experience high demand in Africa over the next two decades.
Central to this mission is the iCreate Skill Fest, a dynamic skills competition held in partnership with prominent companies like Bosch and Sterling Bank. Spanning cities such as Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos, the festival encompasses diverse skill categories ranging from welding and fabrication to video production and drone piloting. Entrants, vying for the coveted title of Skills Champions, not only vie for cash prizes and state-of-the-art equipment but, crucially, receive comprehensive training. Jaja’s ultimate goal? Empowering these Skills Champions to become entrepreneurs, each capable of employing five individuals, thus catalyzing economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Building on the resounding success of the Skill Fest, Jaja is set to unveil the groundbreaking iCreate Skills League (ISL) in 2020, heralded as the world’s first technical and vocational skills league. With 37 teams comprising top talents from technical schools across Nigeria, the ISL promises to showcase a myriad of skills, from tiling and bricklaying to barbering and plumbing. Jaja envisions extending this pioneering model across the African continent, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among its youth.
Amid the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, iCreate Africa has responded with innovation, launching www.Skillers.ng, a digital platform aimed at supporting skilled professionals and service businesses. This online hub serves as a vital lifeline, facilitating seamless connectivity between skilled individuals and potential clients, while also providing access to essential training and business resources.
