Global talent accelerator Andela, which finds talented young Africans and trains them to become top developers for global firms, is calling for applications from Kenya, Ghana and South Africa with a view to begin operations in one or more of the countries.
Disrupt Africa reported last month on Andela, which is backed by investors including Steve Case, Omidyar Network, Founder Collective, Rothenberg Ventures, Learn Capital, Melo7 Tech Partners, Chris Hughes and Susa Ventures and has offices in the United States (US) and Nigeria.
The startup has received more than 12,000 applications since it launched in Nigeria in September last year, and is now looking to build on that success by expanding to other key markets across Africa. Kenya, Ghana and South Africa have been earmarked as likely destinations.
“Each of these countries presents a strong case based on their vibrant youth populations, levels of innovation, strong signs of growth in the areas of technology and entrepreneurship, and more. With a combined population of over 100 million, these markets represent a path toward Andela’s vision of training 100,000 developers over the next 10 years,” the company said.
Andela plans to begin operating in one or more of these countries in the coming months, but will review the applications from each to help identify the best location for Andela’s next country of operations.
The company said it is building a movement of quality technology talent across the African continent that will drive tech-enabled growth around the world.
“We believe Africa is one of the largest untapped markets for talent development. The Andela team is made up of young professionals who are leading this movement of next-generation technology leaders across Africa and who will show the world that while the digital revolution may have started in America, its future will be written in cities and towns across Africa,” Andela said.
