Africa is undergoing a true digital revolution, driven by a young, connected population hungry for technological skills. In this context, the search for software engineers has become a key issue for both local and international companies looking to establish or grow their operations on the continent. But where can these talents be found, and which countries are the most dynamic?
A Continent in Need of Millions of Engineers
According to UNESCO, Africa will need more than 23 million STEM professionals (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) by 2030 to keep pace with its economic growth. Today, the number of active IT engineers across the continent remains far below demand.
Most African countries still produce fewer than 5,000 computer engineers per year, while demand is often ten times higher. This shortage of technical skills is a major obstacle to digital transformation. In response, new initiatives are emerging across the continent.
The Rise of Coding Schools and Alternative Training
As traditional universities struggle to keep up with demand, coding schools and bootcamps are booming in many African countries. Their goal: to quickly train developers and engineers ready to meet market needs.
Some notable examples include:
- Andela, founded in 2014, which has helped train over 110,000 developers across Africa through a vibrant community and hybrid learning model.
- Decagon (Nigeria), Moringa School (Kenya), Holberton School (Tunisia, South Africa, Rwanda), and GOMYCODE (Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria) actively contribute to building talent pipelines.
- In 2024, the prestigious 42 school, founded by Xavier Niel, opened a campus in Madagascar, highlighting the growing interest in innovative learning models on the continent.
Mapping Tech Talent by Country
Here is an overview of the most dynamic African countries in terms of training and availability of IT professionals:
Nigeria
- Over 35,000 computer science students annually.
- A vibrant tech ecosystem (Lagos) with many private training institutions.
Kenya
- East Africa’s tech capital.
- Renowned universities (Strathmore, JKUAT) and presence of Google, Microsoft, IBM.
South Africa
- A mature tech market.
- Large training centers and specialized schools.
Tunisia
- Strong foundational training.
- A growing source of francophone tech talent.
Morocco
- Fast-growing tech ecosystem.
- AI and cybersecurity training (UM6P, AI Movement).
Senegal
- Dakar emerging as a tech hub with initiatives like ESP and Polytechnic School.
Madagascar
- Rapid growth in web and software development skills.
- Presence of 42 school and widespread access to online training.
Côte d’Ivoire
- Expanding francophone tech market.
- Increasing number of private schools and international partnerships.
Mauritius
- Strategic hub for digital services.
- Strong education system and infrastructure ideal for outsourcing.
Outsourcing: A Strategic Opportunity
Amid talent shortages in developed markets, outsourcing to Africa is becoming a real opportunity. More and more companies are working with remote African software engineers, benefiting from skilled, available professionals who meet international standards.
Outsourcing also helps optimize costs while tapping into talent from agile, multilingual, and resilient environments. With the evolution of remote work tools, collaboration is now smooth, efficient, and sustainable.
Talenteum: Your Gateway to African Engineering Talent
At Talenteum, we make it easy to access top tech talent through our specialized platform. We identify, validate, and connect skilled software engineers with companies around the world. Thanks to our employer of record solution, we handle all administrative, contractual, and compliance aspects so you can hire quickly and with peace of mind.
We’ve already helped dozens of companies strengthen their IT teams with professionals based in Nigeria, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, and Morocco. Talenteum is your strategic partner to build distributed teams based on qualified, committed, and value-driven profiles.
The Urgency of Training for the AI Era
The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming every economic sector, and Africa cannot afford to be a spectator. While the talent exists, it is now critical to speed up the pace. Training engineers specialized in AI, data science, and automation must become a priority for governments, companies, and education stakeholders.
Countries like Morocco, Nigeria, and Kenya are already integrating AI into their curricula and innovation hubs. But this movement must expand across the continent. AI is not only a development driver—it is a unique opportunity for Africa to become a global tech powerhouse.
Africa holds immense potential in terms of digital talent but you need to know where to look. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Madagascar are leading the way with strong training initiatives, vibrant ecosystems, and a new generation ready to take on the digital economy.
At Talenteum, we believe that African talent is the answer to the growing needs of the global tech industry. Our mission: to identify, support, and connect these professionals with the best remote opportunities worldwide.
Contact us to discuss or discover our technology platform at www.breedj.com
