The Industry Digital Talent Program, a collaborative initiative in Kenya, aims to develop digital skills and innovation, targeting to upskill 1,000 participants within its first year.
This initiative is a partnership between academia, training partners, tech hubs, government agencies, and industry players, and aims to develop digital skills in the market by taking a sustainable approach to create a healthy digital talent pipeline.
The program targets to upskill 1,000 participants within its first year based on the digital skills currently in high demand.
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.
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.
In addition, 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.
How it works
The Industry Digital Apprenticeship Program is a comprehensive initiative that spans 6 to 9 months. Applicants interested in the program must first go through a selection process.
Once selected, they will participate in a structured training program and receive guidance from experienced mentors in the tech industry.
Safaricom PLC CEO Peter Ndegwa 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.”
The Industry Digital Talent Program seeks to foster digital skill development within the market by adopting a sustainable strategy to nurture a robust digital talent pipeline.
It was launched at Safaricom’s second engineering summit themed, “Igniting Africa’s Digital Renaissance.”
