Andela, the renowned global talent outsourcing firm, has partnered with the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) to tackle the growing global shortage of skilled cloud Native experts. They are embarking on a bold initiative aiming to equip 20,000 developers from Africa with cloud-native skills over the next three years. This effort, which focuses primarily on Kubernetes and other cloud-native technologies, is expected to produce numerous certified professionals capable of filling the ever-expanding demand for cloud professionals on the global stage.
The program, which will be provided free of charge, aims to deliver extensive training and certifications, including the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) and the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD). With over 150,000 tech professionals already registered on Andela's talent marketplace, the program targets this existing pool of developers, offering them mentorship and community support throughout their training.
This initiative is timely, as recent estimates suggest there could be as many as 7.5 million unfilled cloud-related roles globally by 2025. "By training African developers, Andela and CNCF aim to bridge the global cloud-native skills gap, aligning with Andela’s mission to empower African talent," an Andela spokesperson remarked.
Large corporations are particularly affected by this skills shortage, as highlighted by GlobalData, which pointed out nearly half of industry professionals indicated lack of specific skills as the primary hurdle toward achieving digital transformation. Among larger firms, the need for specialized skills is more pressing due to the scale of their operations and digitalization efforts. Urte Jakimaviciute, Senior Director of Market Research at GlobalData, stated, "Larger corporations may have a wider scale of operations or a higher number of systems to digitalize, which requires more human resources to complete the process." Smaller companies, conversely, often depend on outsourcing specialized roles and focusing on quicker innovation rather than developing internal expertise.
This stark difference indicates the urgent need for significant investments to upskill the workforce across various industries. It's clear: technological advancements are outpacing training programs, rendering many skills quickly outdated, thereby necessitating continuous investment in talent acquisition and upskilling.
Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical sector is facing its own hurdles due to skill shortages, which are hampering digital transformation efforts. A recent survey by GlobalData revealed about 49% of professionals within the pharma industry are struggling with specific skills deficits. Larger and medium-sized companies express greater concern compared to smaller enterprises. According to Jakimaviciute, these firms need more manpower due to the complexity and volume of their digital initiatives.
To mitigate such challenges, several organizations are investing heavily in programs focused on bridging gaps within various sectors. For example, initiatives similar to the Andela-CNCF partnership might be indispensable moving forward, as they directly address areas of skills scarcity. Investments today can help forge pathways for tomorrow’s tech talent and reshape the future workplaces.
The Andela initiative and its focus on cloud-native technologies provide much-needed momentum amid this data-driven era, where businesses are increasingly relying on efficient cloud solutions. Participants will work on hands-on projects, learning from seasoned professionals to gain practical insights and experiences.
Chris Aniszczyk, CTO at CNCF, echoed the partnership's commitment to empowering developers, stating, "By collaborating with Andela, we aim to empower African developers and bridge the global tech talent gap." Such collaborations reflect the growing recognition of Africa's potential to contribute to the global tech economy significantly.
What’s more, this initiative could also play an instrumental role strategically for African economies. By investing in developing local talent, countries can cultivate their skill base, increase their workforce's competitiveness, and attract foreign investments seeking skilled professionals.
Successful completion of this program could potentially provide thousands of African developers with access to high-value job opportunities within the global technology sector. Given the rapid proliferation of technology across industries, the timing couldn't be more appropriate. The future for these developers seems vibrant as they position themselves at the forefront of technology.
With substantial support and encouragement from organizations like Andela and CNCF, the pathway to technological empowerment is set to benefit Africa's flourishing tech workforce. So as they say, opportunity is knocking; all that's left is for these developers to answer. The future of cloud-native technology could very well be intertwined with the skills and innovation found across the African continent.
Challenges still lie ahead, but with determination, foresight, and necessary investment, bridging this skills gap might become one of the transformative milestones for the continent. Through collective effort and dedication to nurturing talent, the African tech sector stands at the threshold of change, ready to embrace new opportunities—not just for their own growth, but for the global technology ecosystem as well.