Amazon Web Services on how to close Africa's ICT skills gap

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world's largest cloud services provider, is set to play a crucial role in bridging Africa's ICT skills gap. Tanuja Randery, the Managing Director and Vice President of Amazon Web Services in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), discussed the company's plans in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. She highlighted the shortage of ICT skills in South Africa, including system analysts, software developers, engineers, and chief information officers. Randery emphasized the importance of digital transformation and the adoption of cloud services in driving innovation and growth across sectors. She noted a significant acceleration towards cloud technologies during the pandemic, underscoring the need for enhanced digital skills to overcome transformation barriers. One of the key challenges identified by Randery was the cultural shift required for successful digital transformation. While technology plays a vital role, fostering a culture of innovation, agility, and data-driven decision-making is paramount. AWS is actively assisting its clients in embracing this shift through workshops and tools designed to drive innovation at all levels of the organization. Moreover, Randery shed light on AWS's longstanding commitment to Africa, with investments dating back to 2004. The company has established a strong presence in the region, including a development center in Cape Town and a new office in Johannesburg. AWS's investment in a solar plant in the North Cape area further underscores its dedication to sustainability and local development. In line with its commitment to developing talent in Africa, AWS has launched various training programs to address the skills gap. Randery highlighted initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation, such as the 'Get IT' program for young students and coaching learners in grades 10 to 12 through the AWS Academy. The company also offers 'Restart,' a 12-week training program for individuals looking to reskill and enter the tech industry. AWS's training efforts extend beyond individual programs to collaborations with universities and corporate partners. Randery mentioned working with Standard Bank to train 100,000 engineers over five years, emphasizing the importance of reskilling and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As South Africa grapples with high unemployment rates, initiatives like AWS's training programs offer a pathway to employment and opportunity creation. By focusing on skills development, AWS aims to bridge the diversity and sustainability gap in the region, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative workforce. For those interested in exploring AWS's training programs and resources, Randery directed them to the company's website, where online classes and interactive tools like 'CloudQuest' are available. The success stories of graduates from the 'Restart' program underscore the impact of upskilling initiatives in connecting individuals to employment opportunities and driving economic growth.