Why African developers opt for remote work

A recent survey conducted by Andela has shed light on the growing trend of remote work among African developers. The survey revealed that a significant 91% of respondents in the Africa Developer Survey expressed their preference for fully remote or hybrid work setups. This shift towards remote work has been largely influenced by the global lockdowns and the increasing move towards remote work practices worldwide. To delve deeper into the key findings of the survey, Mike Indimurukundo, the Managing Director at Andela in Rwanda, joined CNBC Africa for an insightful discussion. Andela, a key player in the African tech ecosystem since 2014, has been at the forefront of championing distributed teams and remote work environments. The company's survey aimed to understand the evolving needs and preferences of developers amidst the changing landscape brought about by the pandemic. The survey spanned across 12 countries, with a particular focus on Nigeria and Kenya, two prominent tech hubs in Africa. The findings offered valuable insights into the motivations and preferences of African developers regarding remote work. One notable trend highlighted in the survey was the prevalence of self-taught developers, accounting for approximately 77% of the respondents. These developers have leveraged online resources and self-learning to advance their skills and pursue opportunities both locally and globally. The survey also revealed that a significant portion of developers, around a third of the participants, have ventured into entrepreneurship by founding their startups. This entrepreneurial mindset aligns with the burgeoning tech ecosystem in Africa and underscores the importance of creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth. The shift towards remote work has prompted developers to prioritize work-life balance and flexibility, enabling them to avoid long commutes and distractions commonly associated with traditional office settings. Moreover, remote work has empowered developers to reclaim their time and explore opportunities beyond geographical boundaries. While remote work offers numerous benefits, the issue of productivity remains a crucial consideration. According to the survey, 51% of developers prefer fully remote work, while others opt for a hybrid model that includes occasional office presence. The effectiveness of remote work in enhancing productivity varies depending on individual circumstances, such as family commitments and access to reliable infrastructure. Despite the challenges posed by remote work, the consensus among developers is that it provides greater autonomy and flexibility in managing their work responsibilities. Addressing the importance of interpersonal interactions and mentorship in a remote work setup, Mike emphasized the need for intentional strategies to foster team cohesion and collaboration. Remote-first companies like Andela prioritize initiatives that simulate in-person interactions through virtual platforms and periodic team gatherings. By leveraging innovative tools and fostering a culture of communication and collaboration, companies can bridge the gap created by physical distance and cultivate a sense of belonging among remote teams. In conclusion, the Andela survey underscores the growing acceptance of remote work among African developers and highlights the transformative impact of this shift on the tech ecosystem. The findings emphasize the need for companies, governments, and stakeholders to adapt to the evolving work dynamics and support initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development in the digital era.