Nigerians: The Second-Largest Tech Migrants Boosting Canada’s IT Landscape

• damiadeniyi
• September 4, 2023
• Science & Technology
• 0 Comments

According to the recent report released by The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s IT Network (CTN), Nigeria has secured its place as the second-largest contributor of IT talent to Canada, just behind India. Between April 2022 and March 2023, Canada welcomed over 32,000 IT professionals from various countries, including Brazil, India, and Nigeria.

Canada’s Top Ranking Net Migration of Tech Workers by Country 

India (15,097 tech workers)

Nigeria (1,808 tech workers)

Brazil (1,675 tech workers)

Ukraine (1,207 tech workers)

Philippines (1,129 tech workers)

Iran (1,046 tech workers)

France (935 tech workers)

UAE (744 tech workers)

Hong Kong SAR (715 tech workers)

Pakistan (588 tech workers)

This surge in IT migration can be attributed to several key factors.

 Canada’s welcoming immigration policies have played a pivotal role in attracting tech talent from around the world. The country’s reputation for inclusivity and diversity has made it an appealing destination for skilled professionals. Additionally, the growth of remote work has further expanded Canada’s appeal, allowing tech experts to contribute to the country’s IT sector from various locations, including rural areas.

 The report notes that Canada’s IT sector has experienced substantial growth, partly due to increased investments by American tech companies. This growth is reflected in the significant number of tech workers who migrated to Canada during the specified period. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has also prompted tech professionals to explore non-traditional tech hubs.

The growth of Canada’s IT workforce extends beyond major cities. Smaller provinces like Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest year-over-year growth rates at 16.3%. Even smaller rural areas, such as Windsor, Ontario, witnessed a substantial increase of 28% in their IT workforce over the past year. This trend aligns with the broader movement away from urban areas in North America.

The most sought-after technical skills in Canada’s tech industry include Customer Experience, Microsoft Azure, Analytical talents, Amazon Web Services, React.js, Jira, Data Science, GitHub, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Relationship Management. These skills are driving the growth of the IT sector in the country.

Key Statistics:

• Canada welcomed more than 32,000 tech workers between April 2022 and March 2023.
• Ontario boasts the largest number of tech workers in the country.
• Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest year-over-year growth in tech workforces at 16.3%.
• Windsor, Ontario, experienced the highest growth in tech workers at 28%.
• Mississauga, Ont., ranks as the most attractive city for tech talent, followed by Montreal, Que., and Waterloo, Ont.
• Despite some talent loss to the U.S., Canada remains competitive in attracting tech talent.