As global demand for remote talent grows, a Fort Worth-based nonprofit is tackling a critical gap: why so many young Africans, despite having technical skills, fail to succeed in remote jobs. SankoLabs, founded by Michael Omokoh and Peter Sey, has launched the Remote Ready Program, a four-week initiative designed to prepare adults for the realities of remote work. The program, which began cohorts in August, is now opening to talent platforms and employers beyond its initial referral partner.
The need is urgent. Between 30 and 60 percent of offshore remote hires do not survive their probation period, and agencies tracking these outcomes say it is rarely a technical ability problem. Nigeria's national digital skills program has trained over 135,000 people, but placement remains elusive. SankoLabs aims to bridge this readiness gap by teaching skills like asynchronous communication, time zone discipline, and independent work—areas where remote teams often break down.
The program's core is the Remote Readiness Simulation, an assessment run twice: once at intake and again near the end. The distance between the two runs provides partners with concrete evidence of a candidate's growth. Graduates leave with an evidence bundle including an optimized LinkedIn profile, recorded introduction, graded work artifacts, a mock interview, and a structured availability statement. "We are not a placement company," says Omokoh. "We get you ready, and we give you the evidence so you can go and get it yourself."
For employers, this evidence-based approach could reduce the risk of bad hires. A US talent platform CEO and early partner notes, "If you told me right now you had ten people ready to go, I would talk price and take them, because I need ten people right now." SankoLabs is actively seeking partnerships with talent platforms, staffing firms, and companies hiring remotely. Interested parties can visit https://www.sankolabs.com/partners for more information.
Beyond the adult program, SankoLabs is developing an eight-week Youth Bootcamp for ages 16 to 18 in Ghana and Nigeria, delivered phone-first to reach students where they are. With only about 35 percent of adults in Nigeria and 28 percent in Ghana possessing basic digital skills, the bootcamp aims to prepare the next generation before the gap forms. "The Remote Ready Program solves today's problem," says Omokoh. "The Youth Bootcamp means the next generation does not inherit it." The bootcamp is funded by donors, and contributions support curriculum, data stipends, and mentorship. Those interested in supporting can visit https://www.sankolabs.com/#support.
By focusing on readiness and evidence, SankoLabs is not just training individuals; it is building a bridge between African talent and global opportunity. As Omokoh puts it, "The talent was never the question. The proof was. That is the part we built." With its first cohorts underway and partnerships expanding, the organization is poised to make a tangible impact on remote hiring practices and economic opportunities across the continent.
