ISQI, AIMS partner to boost digital skills in Africa

The International Software Quality Institute (ISQI) has forged a groundbreaking long-term partnership with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) to enhance the digital skills of youth across the African continent. Stephan Goericke, CEO of ISQI, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on the essence and potential impact of this new collaboration. The partnership, which has been in the works since 2019, aims to empower African youth by providing them with cutting-edge digital skills that will enhance their job prospects and connect them with the global IT community. The focus on digital skills comes at a crucial juncture for Africa, as the demand for data analysts and IT professionals continues to soar worldwide. With an estimated 230 million jobs in the digital sector by 2033, digitalization is increasingly becoming the future of Africa. Rwanda, in particular, has emerged as a focal point for digital transformation, attracting attention as a hotspot for international IT projects. Goericke emphasized that ISQI's presence in Rwanda is not merely altruistic but driven by a strategic vision to foster business connections and drive industry development in collaboration with local partners and organizations. The initiative, dubbed "IT for Skills," targets Rwanda as its initial launchpad, with plans to expand to other African countries leveraging AIMS' network of excellence centers across the continent. The broader objective is to create a cluster of excellence that will not only benefit AIMS students but also open up opportunities for businesses and individuals to participate in skill-building programs that connect them with international partners. Goericke underscored the importance of entrepreneurship as a mindset crucial for Africa's economic growth, particularly in the IT sector. He highlighted Rwanda's potential as a prime destination for outsourcing projects due to factors such as language proficiency, qualification standards, time zone compatibility, and robust security measures. In collaboration with AIMS, ISQI is poised to play a pivotal role in bridging the skills gap and facilitating international partnerships that could catapult African countries into becoming major players in global IT outsourcing. The partnership with AIMS also includes an agreement allowing AIMS to administer certified foundation level exams, a move that underscores the long-term commitment to lifelong learning and skills development in Africa. Goericke emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities in Africa and instilling confidence in the local population that they can build successful careers in their home countries. In terms of cost, Goericke stressed that ISQI and AIMS are committed to making the programs accessible and affordable for the local population, with financial support initially provided by the German government to kickstart the initiatives. Looking ahead, Goericke hinted at potential future deals in the pipeline, including organizing an international conference in Kigali to bring together IT experts, initiating new qualification programs in collaboration with policymakers, and expanding the partnership model to other African countries. The overarching goal is to secure additional financial support to scale up the programs and address the pressing need for skilled professionals in various IT domains beyond software testing. With a vision to empower African youth and drive digital transformation across the continent, the ISQI-AIMS partnership holds immense promise as a game changer in Africa's digital landscape.