The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and Linux Foundation Education have joined forces with Andela to enhance cloud-native skills among African technologists.
The initiative aims to train 20,000 to 30,000 individuals over the next two to three years, equipping them with foundational knowledge in Kubernetes and the broader cloud-native ecosystem. Participants will receive free training designed to prepare them for the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) and Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certifications, globally recognized credentials that open pathways to lucrative tech careers.
Speaking on the training program, Chris Aniszczyk, CTO at the CNCF said,
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“This partnership showcases the global impact of CNCF’s education programs. By standardizing cloud-native knowledge, developers across the globe can gain certifications that enable them to secure roles both locally and internationally. Partnering with Andela allows us to extend training to underrepresented communities, creating opportunities for workers while addressing the global tech talent shortage.”
Also commenting, Carrol Chang, Andela’s CEO said,
“We are excited to partner with CNCF to extend training and, ultimately, enhance job opportunities for African workers. The continent is emerging as one of the most important markets in the world. It has the fastest-growing population of developers, and its young workforce will be key to solving the tech talent shortage. Organizations are looking for talent with advanced skill sets like Al and cloud-native, and this particular skill set is a perfect addition to the Andela marketplace.”
This strategic collaboration between Andela and CNCF to train African tech professionals comes at a time when demand for remote tech talent continues to rise. According to Google’s Africa Developer Ecosystem Report 2021, demand for African developers reached a record high in 2021 against the backdrop of a global economic crisis and the impact of the pandemic.
With increased (+22%) use of the internet among small and medium businesses (SMBs) on the continent, the need for web development services also increased alongside higher demand for remote development work (38% of African developers work for at least one company based outside of the continent). Notably, Africa’s burgeoning tech talent population and its youthful workforce position it as a key player in addressing the global tech talent gap.
Training programs will take six to nine months to complete, with participants selected from Andela’s talent marketplace of 150,000 professionals, including a significant number from 49 African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Andela has a strong track record of collaborating with companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, AWS, and Nvidia to train talent in cutting-edge technologies.
A CNCF study underscores the growing need for cloud-native expertise, with 55% of developers reporting that certifications helped them secure new roles. However, 81% cited cost as a barrier to completing certifications, emphasizing the value of this free training initiative.
“As a non-profit dedicated to fostering open-source growth and IT talent development, partnerships like this are critical,” said Clyde Seepersad, Senior Vice President at Linux Foundation Education. “Together with Andela, we aim to empower underrepresented groups, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the global tech ecosystem.”
This partnership is set to boost job prospects for African developers, ensuring they gain access to the advanced skill sets needed to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry.