Andela officially launches in Rwanda

Andela, a company that employs developers at a large scale, has officially launched in Rwanda with the aim of bringing 500 world-class developers into the market in the first five years of operation. The company, which has been in operation since 2014 with locations in Lagos, Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali, currently has around 1000 developers who are contributing code to more than 200 leading tech companies worldwide. Andela's mission is to bridge the gap in the shortage of software developers globally by equipping brilliant young people with high-quality skills as software engineers. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Minister of Finance and Cooperation for Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, discussed the importance of rectifying the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) deal and the impact Andela's launch in Rwanda will have on the African tech ecosystem. With a shortage of over one million software engineers worldwide, Andela's expansion into Rwanda comes at a critical time when there is a growing demand for qualified developers in the market. Minister Ahmed Shide emphasized that the need for more qualified software engineers in Africa is crucial to drive innovation and address the challenges within the continent's tech ecosystem. While the exact number of software engineers needed in Africa is yet to be determined, the shortage of engineers has hindered the rapid development of technology products that cater to local needs. By training developers and providing them with the necessary skills, Andela aims to empower African youth to participate in the digital revolution and contribute to the global tech industry. The company's model of partnering with technology companies to expand their engineering teams has received significant demand, with a majority of Andela's software engineers already engaged in partner projects. This approach not only helps companies scale their technology teams but also supports the trend of distributed work, where teams can collaborate from anywhere in the world. Andela's presence in Rwanda has already seen success, with the first cohort of developers selected in November and starting work in January. The company plans to recruit an average of 10 developers every month, with 30 already working full-time and another 10 set to start soon. By investing in talent development and providing opportunities for young African developers, Andela is poised to make a significant impact on the continent's tech industry. Minister Ahmed Shide commended Andela's efforts in empowering African youth and driving innovation, emphasizing the importance of leveraging tech skills to accelerate economic growth and bridge the digital divide in Africa. As the company continues to expand its operations in Rwanda and beyond, it is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Africa's tech ecosystem.