AMIDST the growing shortage of developer talent in several European countries, Tech Impact Africa (TIA), a project supported by the Netherlands, is making strides in training software developers in Nigeria and connecting them to global employers through staff augmentation firm Tunga.
According to reports, 38 percent of Africa’s 716,000 developers are employed by at least one company headquartered outside the continent. Tunga, with its six years of experience, has been successfully linking tech talent from Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya to such employers, boasting a community of over 1,500 software developers.
One of the key advantages of hiring talent from Africa is its cost-effectiveness. The conversion of hard currency to the local currency makes hiring talent from the region more affordable. Simultaneously, it provides opportunities for senior developers seeking globally competitive salaries. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved.
African countries are also rising to the challenge of cultivating skilled tech talent. Last year, Kenya introduced a national coding curriculum for primary and secondary school students, laying the foundation for future generations. Moreover, in collaboration with Microsoft, the East African country launched a digital talent program aimed at building a strong workforce of tech professionals. Similarly, Nigerians, facing challenges within the country’s academic system, are turning to alternative learning platforms like AltSchool and Semicolon to acquire valuable tech skills.
The efforts of TIA and Tunga are bridging the talent gap in Europe by tapping into the rich pool of software developers in Nigeria. Through training and connections, these initiatives are not only addressing the shortage but also creating opportunities for individuals in Africa to showcase their skills on a global scale.
