Gebeya Workplace launches platform to connect IT professionals

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digitization, Africa is emerging as a key player, yet the continent is faced with a shortage of skilled IT professionals to match global standards. To address this challenge, Gebeya Workplace has launched an innovative initiative aimed at connecting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and corporations with highly trained IT professionals at competitive rates. CNBC Africa recently interviewed Amadou Daffe, CEO and Co-Founder of Gebeya, to shed light on the company's mission to bridge the IT skills gap on the continent. Amadou Daffe highlighted the three fundamental pillars of Gebeya's ecosystem: training, a platform for job placements, and incubation for budding entrepreneurs. The training program serves as the cornerstone, nurturing raw talent and molding individuals into highly skilled professionals. Daffe emphasized the importance of continuous training to sustain a robust pipeline of developers and prevent turnover, a common issue in the industry. The financing aspect of the initiative also plays a critical role in supporting startups within the Gebeya ecosystem. Daffe explained that startups receiving funding from Gebeya must be part of the ecosystem and demonstrate a readiness to scale and export their products to other African markets. The company aims to facilitate the growth of startups within a short timeframe, ultimately contributing to the development of million-dollar African companies. Collaborations with organizations like Smart Africa further enhance Gebeya's impact in the IT sector. By providing training and skilled engineers for Smart Africa's flagship projects, Gebeya acts as a local enabler to support the continent's digital transformation. The partnership also includes a joint scholarship fund, offering exceptional individuals the opportunity to excel in the IT field. Amadou Daffe addressed concerns about brain drain, acknowledging the current trend of skilled professionals leaving the continent for better opportunities. He emphasized the importance of building a strong ecosystem to retain talent and create opportunities for growth and development across Africa. By aligning with initiatives like Smart Africa and fostering a collaborative environment, Gebeya aims to mitigate the effects of brain drain and promote sustainable IT talent development on the continent. As Africa continues to progress in the digital age, initiatives like Gebeya Workplace are crucial for nurturing IT talent, supporting startups, and driving innovation across the continent. With a focus on training, job placement, and incubation, Gebeya's holistic approach to IT skills development stands as a beacon of hope for Africa's technology-driven future.