By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The World Bank Group has appointed a Nigerian businessman, Mr Aliko Dangote, to its elite group, the Private Sector Investment Lab, tasking him to drive investment and job creations in emerging economies.

The World Bank announced Mr Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab, which now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world.

With this appointment, Mr Dangote has joined a select group of global business leaders, which include the chief executive of Bayer AG, Mr Bill Anderson; the chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal; and the chief executive of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mr Mark Hoplamazian.

In his acceptance of the honour bestowed on him, the African industrialist reaffirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector-led investment, noting the transformative potential of such initiatives in developing markets.

“I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies.

 “This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies.

“Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Asian Tigers, which have demonstrated the power of strategic investment and focused economic policy, I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such outcomes across other regions,” Mr Dangote stated.

The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies—supporting its sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

“With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy.

“This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate,” the president of the World Bank Group, Mr Ajay Banga, stated.

Mr Dangote established the largest conglomerate in West Africa, the Dangote Group, with interests spanning cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, and oil.

The organisation employs over 30,000 people and is the largest taxpayer in Nigeria—contributing more in taxes than all of Nigeria’s banks combined. It is also the country’s largest employer after the government.

The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the group’s flagship project, stands as the largest single private investment in Africa.

In addition to his business interests, Mr Dangote leads the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

The foundation primarily focuses on child nutrition, while also supporting interventions in health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief.

By Dipo Olowookere

Mr Oluseun Ajayi has retired as the chairman of the board of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, a statement from the underwriting organisation has revealed.

It was stated that Mr Ajayi exited the board as director from Thursday, April 10, 2025, and has been wished well in his future endeavours.

In the notice signed by the company secretaries, Equity Union Limited, the board expressed its gratitude to him for his contribution to the growth of the organisation.

Under his leadership, Sovereign Trust Insurance consistently experienced steady and remarkable accomplishments. One of his greatest accomplishment as the pioneer chief executive of the organisation was the successful transition of the company from a Limited Liability underwriting firm to a Publicly Quoted Company in November 2006.

The insurance firm disclosed that it would appoint a new chairman for the company in the coming days.

“Sovereign Trust Insurance wishes to inform the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, its shareholders and the investing public that Mr Oluseun Ajayi has retired as a director and chairman of the board of directors of Sovereign Trust Insurance with effect from April 10, 2025.

“The board of the company will appoint a new chairman in the coming days and thereafter notify the investing public.

“The board of Sovereign Trust Insurance thanks Mr Oluseun Ajayi for his immense contribution to the company and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

“The exchange and the investing public will be informed of subsequent developments,” the statement said.

Mr Ajayi graduated from the University of Ibadan with a degree in History and Politics. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London (ACII) and Nigeria (ACIIN).

 He has attended various Management and Leadership Development Programmes at different times in the course of his career including the Management Programme at the London School of Insurance.

Mr Ajayi is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School having completed the Chief Executive Programme. He has also attended leadership programmes at the IESE Business School of the University of Navarra, Spain, the University of Nottingham Business School and the London Business School.

The Web3 industry, built on blockchain technology and decentralized systems, is booming, offering exciting career opportunities for professionals from diverse backgrounds. While technical roles like blockchain development often dominate the spotlight, many Web3 jobs don’t require coding expertise.

If you’re passionate about decentralized technologies and want to break into this space without programming skills, this guide will show you how to land a Web3 job. From leveraging transferable skills to building a strong network, here’s a step-by-step approach to securing a non-technical role in Web3.

Why Web3 Needs Non-Technical Talent

Web3 is more than just smart contracts and dApps—it’s a transformative ecosystem reshaping finance, gaming, art, and more. Companies in this space need professionals in marketing, community management, project management, and other non-technical roles to drive adoption and growth.

The Demand for Non-Coders in Web3

The decentralized nature of Web3 projects means teams often operate globally, relying on diverse skill sets to succeed. Roles like content creators, community managers, and business development specialists are in high demand. For instance, remote web3 jobs in marketing or operations are increasingly common, as companies seek talent to bridge the gap between complex technology and everyday users.

Transferable Skills That Shine in Web3

If you’re transitioning from another industry, your existing skills can be a major asset. Communication, problem-solving, and project management are highly valued in Web3. For example, a background in social media marketing can translate into managing a project’s Discord or Twitter presence. Analytical skills from finance or data analysis can apply to roles in decentralized finance (DeFi) operations.

Step 1: Understand the Web3 Ecosystem

Before applying for jobs, you need a solid grasp of Web3’s core concepts, even if you’re not coding.

Learn the Basics of Blockchain and Web3

Start with foundational knowledge about blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Resources like Coursera, YouTube channels such as Whiteboard Crypto, or free courses from ConsenSys Academy can help. You don’t need to understand the technical intricacies of Ethereum’s consensus mechanisms, but you should know how Web3 differs from Web2 and why decentralization matters.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends

Web3 evolves rapidly, so follow industry news through platforms like CoinDesk, Decrypt, or Twitter accounts of thought leaders like Vitalik Buterin or Chris Dixon. Join Web3-focused newsletters or podcasts like “The Defiant” to stay informed about market trends, new projects, and job opportunities.

Step 2: Identify Non-Technical Web3 Roles

Web3 offers a variety of roles that don’t require coding but still play a critical part in project success.

Popular Non-Technical Roles in Web3

• Community Manager: Builds and engages communities on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Twitter.
• Content Creator/Writer: Produces blogs, whitepapers, or social media content to explain projects and attract users.
• Marketing Specialist: Develops strategies to promote Web3 projects, including NFT launches or token sales.
• Project Manager: Oversees timelines, coordinates teams, and ensures project milestones are met.
• Business Development: Forges partnerships and drives growth for Web3 protocols or startups.

Where to Find Web3 Jobs

Job boards like CryptoJobs, Web3.Career, and LinkedIn are great places to start. Many Web3 companies post openings on Twitter or in their Discord communities, so actively monitor these platforms. DAOs often advertise roles on governance forums or platforms like Snapshot.

Step 3: Build Relevant Skills

While you don’t need to code, certain skills will make you stand out in the Web3 job market.

Develop Web3-Specific Knowledge

Familiarize yourself with tools commonly used in Web3, such as crypto wallets (e.g., MetaMask), decentralized platforms (e.g., OpenSea), or collaboration tools like Notion and Discord. For marketing roles, understanding tokenomics or NFT minting processes can give you an edge.

Enhance Transferable Skills

Polish skills that align with your target role. For example:

• Writing: Create engaging content about Web3 topics for a blog or Medium.
• Social Media: Learn how to manage Twitter threads or Telegram groups effectively.
• Analytics: Study Google Analytics or on-chain data tools like Dune Analytics for insights into user behavior.

Consider taking short courses on platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning to boost your expertise in areas like digital marketing or project management.

Step 4: Create a Web3 Presence

In Web3, your online presence is your resume. Building a strong personal brand can open doors to opportunities.

Establish a Twitter and LinkedIn Presence

Twitter is the heart of Web3 conversations. Follow and engage with Web3 projects, share insights, and comment on industry trends. On LinkedIn, optimize your profile with keywords like “Web3,” “blockchain,” and your specific skills (e.g., “community management”). Highlight any Web3-related projects or certifications.

Contribute to Web3 Communities

Join Discord servers or Telegram groups of projects you admire. Participate in discussions, attend AMAs (Ask Me Anything), or volunteer for small tasks. Many Web3 hires come from active community members who demonstrate enthusiasm and reliability.

Step 5: Network in the Web3 Space

Networking is critical in Web3, where trust and reputation drive hiring decisions.

Attend Web3 Events and Conferences

Virtual or in-person events like ETHGlobal, NFT.NYC, or Consensus are excellent for meeting industry professionals. Many conferences offer virtual attendance options, making them accessible. Engage in workshops or hackathons as a non-technical contributor to showcase your skills.

Join DAOs and Contribute

DAOs are decentralized organizations that often welcome contributors in non-technical roles. Platforms like Aragon or Coordinate list DAOs seeking talent. Contributing to a DAO, even in a small way, can lead to paid opportunities and valuable connections.

Step 6: Craft a Winning Application

When applying for Web3 jobs, tailor your approach to the industry’s unique culture.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Highlight transferable skills and any Web3 knowledge, even if self-taught. For example, mention your experience managing a Discord community or creating crypto-related content. Use industry terms like “DeFi,” “NFTs,” or “tokenomics” to show familiarity.

Build a Portfolio

Create a portfolio showcasing relevant work, such as blog posts, social media campaigns, or community engagement metrics. Host it on a simple website using tools like Carrd or Notion. If you’ve contributed to a DAO or Web3 project, include those achievements.

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews

Web3 interviews often focus on cultural fit and passion for decentralization.

Demonstrate Your Passion

Be ready to explain why you’re excited about Web3 and how your skills align with the company’s mission. Research the project thoroughly—understand their token model, roadmap, and community.

Show Adaptability

Web3 is fast-paced, so emphasize your ability to learn quickly and handle ambiguity. Share examples of how you’ve adapted to new tools or industries in the past.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Transitioning to Web3 without coding experience can feel daunting, but these strategies can help you overcome obstacles.

Addressing Lack of Experience

If you’re new to Web3, focus on transferable skills and self-learning. Completing a Web3 course or contributing to a DAO can quickly build credibility.

Standing Out in a Competitive Market

The Web3 job market is competitive, so differentiate yourself by showcasing niche expertise (e.g., NFT marketing) or a strong community presence. Engage authentically with projects to get noticed.