Jethro Mark Da’ar Drives Youth Empowerment Through AI, Media and Digital Innovation
A young Nigerian entrepreneur and digital innovator Jethro Mark Da’ar, popularly known as JMD, is leading a growing ecosystem of platforms aimed at equipping young Africans with skills in Artificial Intelligence, media, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation as conversations around Africa’s technology future continue gaining momentum. Through initiatives including AfrESH Biz & Ent, AfrESH Academy, Genius […]
A young Nigerian entrepreneur and digital innovator Jethro Mark Da’ar, popularly known as JMD, is leading a growing ecosystem of platforms aimed at equipping young Africans with skills in Artificial Intelligence, media, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation as conversations around Africa’s technology future continue gaining momentum.
Through initiatives including AfrESH Biz & Ent, AfrESH Academy, Genius WAV Studioz, and NAB (Nigerian AI Builders), Jethro is positioning technology, creativity, and digital education as critical tools for empowering young Africans to participate actively in the continent’s evolving digital economy. The movement is focused on helping young people transition from being consumers of technology to becoming creators capable of building globally relevant solutions from Africa.
The initiative comes at a time when Artificial Intelligence, digital media, and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping industries across the world, creating new opportunities and challenges for young people seeking relevance within the future economy. Across Africa, conversations around digital inclusion, innovation, and youth empowerment have continued growing as governments, startups, creators, and technology communities explore ways to prepare younger generations for technology-driven opportunities.
Speaking on the vision behind the movement, Jethro said the goal is to help young Africans see technology beyond coding alone, describing innovation as a blend of creativity, storytelling, culture, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.
“At AfrESH and NAB, we want young people to understand that technology is not just about coding. It is also about creativity, storytelling, culture, ideas, and using innovation to solve real problems within our communities,” he said.
According to him, Africa’s future cannot be separated from technology, especially as Artificial Intelligence continues transforming industries globally. He noted that many young Africans still view advanced technology as something created outside the continent, adding that the movement is working to change that perception by building confidence and exposure through education, innovation communities, and digital learning initiatives.
“We cannot keep waiting for the future to arrive from outside Africa. Young Africans must begin to see themselves as creators, innovators, and builders of the technologies shaping tomorrow,” Jethro added.
Through AfrESH Academy and NAB, participants are introduced to AI, entrepreneurship, digital media, and innovation-focused learning experiences designed to prepare them for opportunities within the modern digital economy. The ecosystem also places strong emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and community-driven learning, particularly for young Africans exploring technology and creative industries for the first time.
Part of the movement’s identity is its fusion of African culture with futuristic technology and storytelling. Rather than separating innovation from African identity, the platforms combine media, entertainment, creativity, and technology to reflect a growing Afro-futurist movement emerging across the continent.
Genius WAV Studioz, one of the creative arms of the ecosystem, also contributes to that vision by supporting young creatives exploring digital entertainment, storytelling, and modern African media experiences. The broader goal, according to Jethro, is to help young Africans build confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to global innovation while remaining connected to African culture and identity.
“We want young Africans to understand that they can become creators of technology, not just consumers of it. That shift in mindset is important for the future of Africa’s digital economy,” he said.
As interest in Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation continues accelerating globally, technology-focused youth communities across Nigeria and Africa are increasingly positioning themselves around skills development, innovation, and future-ready opportunities. Observers say movements like AfrESH and NAB reflect a broader shift across Africa where younger generations are becoming more intentional about participating in the future of technology, entrepreneurship, media, and digital creativity.
For many young Africans seeking opportunities within the digital economy, initiatives focused on AI education, media innovation, and creative technology are becoming increasingly important in shaping how the continent prepares for the future.