Safaricom, Microsoft and Partners Launch Digital Talent Program

Technology sector players have launched a Digital Talent Program that is aimed at developing digital skills in the market by taking a sustainable approach to create a healthy digital talent pipeline.

In its first year, the program, which is a partnership between organisations drawn from academia, training partners, tech-hubs, Government as well as industry players, targets to upskill 1,000 participants based on the digital skills currently in high demand.

So far, over 30 partners including 6 Universities, 14 Training Partners, 5 Tech-Hubs and community organizations, 7 Government agencies and 14 industry players including Big-Tech are part of the program.

“It has been observed that there is a number of youth with ICT related certificates who do not possess the skills and competencies required by the employer. Therefore, it is important for us as an industry and sector to push for digital penetration and come up with training and upskilling institutes to support those who are willing to be trained,” said Simon Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary - Ministry of Labour.

Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom PLC CEO said: “The digital talent program is in line with our purpose of transforming lives and vision to become a purpose-led technology company. Our ultimate objective is to position Kenya as the leading hub for tech talent in Africa.”

Catherine Muraga, MD ADC, Microsoft said: “We believe that Africa should not only be a consumer of technology, but also a hub for local talent. We can make a contribution in shaping and innovating the world. Kenya has a huge talent pool of competent and capable developers. That is why Microsoft and other tech companies are setting up their Africa operations here.”

Dr. Joshua Gisemba, KCA University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs said: “As universities, we need to rethink the curriculum and the methodologies that come along with that. Even as we put down the structures and have the curriculum reviewed, we also need to adequately prepare the instructors and providers to be able to adjust to the teaching methodology according to the needs of the society.”

The program will focus on 9 priority skill areas including: UI/UX design; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; IOT; Big Data and Analytics; Cyber Security; Cloud Computing; Fintech; Robotics Process Automation; and Software Engineering.

It will be delivered through a hybrid approach including classroom learning, mentorship, and internships for the experiential part of the learning. It will also involve hackathons, fireside chats, guest lecture sessions, incubation, career fairs, annual awards, curriculum reviews, placements, and certifications, among others.

Partners from academia will provide a pipeline for digital talent as well as the institutional strength and mandate to facilitate and implement classroom learning. Tech Hubs will also provide a talent pipeline and play a critical role in driving innovation, while training partners will curate digital learning paths that are relevant to industry expectations.

Government agencies will enable the program through implementing relevant policies. Industry partners, including big-tech companies, will be the key beneficiaries of the talent pipeline that the program seeks to create, and will also provide coaching and mentorship as well as internship and employment opportunities.

The industry digital talent program is an initiative that seeks transform Kenya through digital skills and innovation at scale, with a target to develop 1,000 digital ready youth by March 2023. This will help to address digital talent supply shortage and mismatch, economic potential for scaled digital transformation, and transform the society by providing youth with skills and a source of income.

The program brings together like minded stakeholders, each participating in various capacities including providing mentorship, internship, scholarship, sponsorship, innovation and platforms.

Full list of partners

AWS
IBM
GULF BANK
Microsoft
Google
UN
Sevenstoneltd
eMobilis
GIZ Kenya
Oracle
UK Government
Qualcomm
NCBA
Huawei
Nation Media Group
Dell
Belgium Embassy
Ministry of ICT
Kenya Private Sector Alliance
ICT Authority
National Industrial Training Authority
Kenya National Innovation Agency
Eldo-Hub
The Forgotten Bottom Billions
Kenyatta University
University of Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Technical University of Mombasa
KCA University
Technical University of Kenya
USIU
Thunderbird School of Management
Strathmore University
Next Arabia
Think Innovators Kenya
Africa Leadership Initiative