Sonnia Agu is a social entrepreneur who uses technology to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, particularly for young Nigerians and artisans, through her platform, SapioWorks.
Dr Sonnia Agu has emerged as a notable figure in Nigeria’s social enterprise space, particularly for her work in creating employment pathways for young people and artisans. As the founder of SapioWorks, a platform designed to link skilled individuals with job opportunities, her approach reflects an ongoing interest in addressing the country’s persistent unemployment challenge through technology-enabled solutions.
Agu’s career spans several sectors, including social work, media, aviation, and business development. Her exposure to these diverse fields shaped her understanding of the gaps between talent, opportunity, and economic access, which are issues that disproportionately affect young Nigerians and informal workers.
Her decision to create SapioWorks stemmed from observing the difficulties many artisans, freelancers, and job seekers face in accessing stable work or showcasing their skills to a wider market. SapioWorks was developed in response to these issues: a digital marketplace where users can connect with employers, offer freelance services, and gain access to training resources designed to improve employability.
The platform incorporates basic algorithm-driven matching, skills-focused features, and digital tools to help users present their work more effectively.
Impacts
Serving over 10,000 active users globally, the platform has successfully created pathways to employment for thousands of artisans, freelancers, and skilled professionals. Some users, particularly artisans who previously relied on informal networks, have turned to SapioWorks to manage bookings, showcase portfolios, and connect with clients outside their immediate communities. The platform has also experimented with online and offline career fairs, mentorship sessions, and community-centred engagements to support users beyond job listings.
Beyond Nigeria, Sonnia Agu has publicly hinted on an expansion interest in other African markets as well as parts of Asia and Latin America.
Leadership beyond SapioWorks
Beyond her work with SapioWorks, the founder leads the G1st International Foundation, an organisation focused on community development and youth-centred initiatives. Through the foundation, she has been involved in programmes ranging from mentorship to social welfare support.
She has received several recognitions over the years, particularly in the areas of social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. Her career continues to evolve as she navigates the complexities of building a technology-driven platform within Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape.
While SapioWorks is still expanding its capabilities, it aims to offer practical and scalable support for job seekers and artisans. The extent to which SapioWorks can grow is quite promising, and Agu’s efforts are contributing to important conversations about innovation, access, and the future of work on the continent.
