Coding for kids in Africa
Kenya’s increased investment in internet and digitization of Government services is unlocking a thriving technology sector. CNBC Africa spoke to Mary Luseka, Director Oxford Africa to gain a sense of understanding as to what the digital buzz means for the continent following the country’s roll out of a coding curriculum.
Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:02:24 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Kenya's investment in internet infrastructure and coding education is catalyzing the growth of the technology sector in the country.
- Mainstreaming coding education from a young age opens up diverse opportunities for individuals to thrive in the digital economy.
- Alignment of curricula with industry demands is essential to drive a technological revolution in Africa and capitalize on the economic potential of the tech sector.
Kenya has made significant strides in investing in internet infrastructure and digitalizing its government services, which has paved the way for a thriving technology sector in the country. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Mary Luseka, Director of Oxford Africa, to delve into the implications of the country's rollout of a coding curriculum for children. Luseka highlighted the importance of mainstreaming coding education, emphasizing that in the future, proficiency in coding will be essential for individuals across all sectors. By introducing coding to children at a young age, Kenya is taking a step in the right direction towards ensuring that its population is equipped with the necessary skills for the digital economy. This move opens up a myriad of opportunities for young people, regardless of their educational background, to earn a living through software development and technology-related ventures. As the technology landscape in Africa evolves, countries like Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda are increasingly recognizing technology as the pathway to economic growth and are implementing initiatives to bolster the tech sector. However, for these initiatives to succeed, it is crucial that the curricula are aligned with industry demands to ensure that graduates are equipped with the relevant skills. Luseka stressed the need for a review of existing curricula to make them industry-led, a key factor that would drive a technological revolution on the continent. In terms of potential growth areas within the technology sector, Luseka highlighted retail, logistics, and healthcare as key sectors with abundant opportunities for app development. Local apps with a focus on authenticity and user-friendliness could potentially expand globally, provided that they integrate seamless payment gateways and leverage the latest technologies in app development such as Flutter and React Native. Being at the forefront of innovation, especially in the mobile app and coding space, presents a vast economic potential for Africa, particularly as global brands increasingly look to tap into the market. Luseka's own experience at Oxford Africa has shown the transformational impact of providing industry-relevant courses in the latest technologies to developers, enabling them to create solutions for various industries. With the rise of artificial intelligence and the continuous evolution of coding practices, the tech industry in Africa is poised for exponential growth. As the continent embraces the technology age, coding education and software development are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa's future as a global technology hub where labor services can be offered internationally.