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{"id":176,"date":"2023-01-16T15:17:50","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T12:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finsense.africa\/blog\/?p=176"},"modified":"2023-01-23T08:33:03","modified_gmt":"2023-01-23T05:33:03","slug":"exploring-the-african-tech-talent-landscape-is-it-scarce-or-limited","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finsense.africa\/blog\/2023\/01\/16\/exploring-the-african-tech-talent-landscape-is-it-scarce-or-limited\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the African Tech Talent Landscape: Is it Scarce or Limited?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The African technology industry is on the rise. But there is a common perception that there is a shortage of tech talent on the continent. But is this perception accurate? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explore the current state of the African tech talent landscape. Is scarce or limited? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’ll also look at the potential for growth and development within the industry. In addition, the opportunities for tech professionals looking to make a difference in Africa.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Growth of The Tech Industry in Africa <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tech industry in Africa has grown in recent years. The industry has many successful startups and a growing pool of investment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to data from the World Bank, the number of tech startups in Africa was 16,000 in 2018 from 2,500 in 2010. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many factors encouraged this overnight growth. They are as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. The increasing availability of internet access. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. The growth of mobile technologies. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. The rising demand for digital solutions in various sectors. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Investment in the tech industry in Africa has also seen significant growth. According to data from the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The total venture capital investment in African tech companies was between $3.8- $4.7 Billion in 2022. This increase is from $2 billion in 2019 and around $500 million in 2015.  
         <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Investors recognize the potential of the African tech market and its opportunities. Projections for 2023 fintech funding is up to $6.8 billion. 
         <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The tech industry in Africa is a dynamic and growing sector. It has made a significant impact on the continent’s economic and social development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Successful Tech Professionals in Africa: Backgrounds and Achievements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There are many successful tech professionals in Africa. These pioneers have achieved a lot in their careers. Also, are making a positive impact on the tech industry in the continent. Here are the profiles of a few of these individuals: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Juliana Rotich<\/a>: <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

           Rotich is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and innovator. Known for her work in the field of open data and technology for development. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Ushahidi. Ushahidi is a leading platform for crisis mapping and information-gathering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Many disaster and conflict situations around the world use Ushahidi. Rotich is also a co-founder of BRCK. A company that produces rugged and portable internet devices. For areas with unreliable or non-existent internet infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Yassir Yacoubi<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Yacoubi is a Moroccan tech entrepreneur and investor. Known for his work in the field of digital finance. He is the co-founder and CEO of Inwi. A leading telecom operator in Morocco. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Also, he is the founder and CEO of Mena Venture Investments. A venture capital firm that focuses on investments in emerging markets.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Yacoubi has received many awards and recognitions. For his contributions to the tech industry in Africa and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Ashish J. Thakkar<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Thakkar is a Ugandan tech entrepreneur and philanthropist. Known for his work in the field of financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              He is the founder and CEO of Mara Group. A conglomerate of companies that operate in financial services, technology, and real estate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Thakkar is also the co-founder of the Mara Foundation. A charitable organization that works to promote entrepreneurship and education in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Herman Chinery-Hesse<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Chinery-Hesse is a Ghanaian tech entrepreneur and innovator. Known for his work in the field of software development and artificial intelligence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                He is the founder and CEO of Softech. A software company that has developed a range of innovative products and services. Such as an AI-powered chatbot and a cloud-based banking platform.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Herman is also the founder of a Global Entrepreneurship Forum for the tech industry. A network of entrepreneurs and investors to rally for collaboration and innovation <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Stephen Ozoigbo<\/a>,  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  A Nigerian entrepreneur and venture capitalist who founded the African Business Angel Network, an organization that works to promote the development of early-stage technology companies in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  He is an expert in AI and has made contributions to the tech industry in Africa. As such, he has received many awards and recognitions for his work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Tech education and training programs in different countries on the continent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Access to tech education and training programs in Africa depends on socio-economic factors. These factors include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Economic development. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    1. Government, and stakeholder priorities.  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Tech skills demand in the local market.  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Tech education and training programs in different countries in Africa also vary. In general, countries with well-developed education and technology focus systems have more programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Middle-income countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco have more tech education programs. These programs are in primary and secondary schools, vocational training institutes, and universities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The focus topics are computer science, software engineering, and data analysis. Students get the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in the tech industry. 
                         <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        In comparison, low-income countries like Burundi, and Chad have under-developed educational systems. Hence fewer tech education and training programs are available.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        In these cases, individuals seek out alternative ways through online courses or self-study. Even then, internet unavailability is another bottleneck in these countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Companies That Have Successfully Sourced and Retained Tech Talent in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        1. Andela<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Andela is a tech company for businesses in the US and Europe. It helps them hire and manage remote software developers from Africa.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The company has a rigorous selection process. It identifies top talent, trains them, and supports them to succeed in their careers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Andela have been successful in retaining tech talent. They provide competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development opportunities to its employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          1. Flutterwave<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Flutterwave is a fintech in Africa. It provides payment infrastructure and financial services to businesses and individuals.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The company has a diverse team of tech professionals from across the continent. They build innovative solutions to various challenges in the financial industry.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Flutterwave has retained tech talent by providing them supportive and collaborative work environment. They also offer competitive compensation and benefits packages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. M-Kopa<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              M-Kopa is a tech company. They provide pay-as-you-go solar energy systems to households in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The company has a team of tech professionals who develop and maintain solar systems. M-Kopa retains tech talent by providing a purpose-driven mission. Also, a culture of innovation and collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              1. Jumia<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                Jumia is an e-commerce company that operates in several African countries. The company has tech professionals who build and maintain its platform and infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Jumia retains tech talent by providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. They also offer opportunities for career advancement and personal development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                1. uLesson<\/a>:  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  uLesson is an ed-tech company in Africa. They provide online learning programs to students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The company has tech professionals who develop and maintain the platform and content.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  uLesson retains tech talent by providing a supportive and collaborative work environment. They also offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Salary and benefits packages for tech professionals in Africa  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Technology professionals’ salaries in Africa are not comparable to those of other regions. Many factors influence these packages, and they include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n