Africa tech is raising billions but can't find workers

The technology sector in Africa is experiencing a boom in funding, with projections suggesting that this year's numbers will surpass the previous year by a significant margin. However, the industry is facing a major challenge in the form of a shortage of skilled workers. Joining CNBC Africa to discuss this issue is Mike Ndimurunkundo, the country manager for Andela Rwanda. In partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Rwanda Development Board, Andela has trained approximately 267 developers in Rwanda, with plans to train 500 more. This initiative, which was initially set to be achieved over a five-year period, has seen steady growth. In addition to training programs, Andela has collaborated with about 25 companies in the local ecosystem, including companies like Trembo and Bikertek House. By meeting the increasing demand for skilled tech workers, Andela is helping companies develop products and digitize services effectively. Moreover, Andela offers a talent network that allows highly skilled individuals to compete on a global level. The economic opportunity presented by training engineers in Africa is vast. In 2021 alone, venture capital funding for the continent increased by over 200%, opening up employment opportunities in tech companies. Local startups can benefit significantly from investing in talent development, as trained individuals tend to be loyal and grow with the company. While it may be cheaper to hire experienced professionals, nurturing local talent can lead to long-term benefits for companies. Mike emphasizes that education and capacity building are fundamental aspects of Andela's mission. The Andela Learning Community has trained hundreds of thousands of individuals in Africa over the past five years, focusing on developing both African and global talent to address the skills gap. To further bridge the skills gap in the tech sector, Andela has introduced a road trip initiative. The training program, which lasts eight to ten months, now includes a three-month placement with companies. This allows startups to access and evaluate skilled developers before deciding to hire them permanently. By encouraging local and regional startups to participate, Andela aims to alleviate the shortage of tech talent. The road trip involves placing trained developers within the local ecosystem for one to two years, after which they can pursue global opportunities with companies worldwide. This approach not only benefits individual developers but also contributes to the growth of the African tech ecosystem, enabling the creation of innovative products and the emergence of successful tech startups.