Global technology company Zoho has expanded its tech upskilling initiatives across Africa, announcing new partnerships and programs in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
This announcement was made during its annual Zoholics South Africa conference, showcasing the company’s dedication to empowering Africa’s youth and women through technology education.
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How is Zoho addressing the tech skills gap?
In South Africa, Zoho has teamed up with BabesGotByte and CodeTelligence to address the country’s tech skills gap, particularly among women and economically disadvantaged youth. The partnership with BabesGotByte is designed to equip girls and women with essential digital skills through a one-year boot camp. The program covers digital literacy, website and mobile app development, UI/UX design, and SQL, aiming to bridge the skills gap and boost female representation in the tech sector.
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Similarly, Zoho’s collaboration with CodeTelligence aims to enhance the employability of economically disadvantaged youths. The company will finance a six-month boot camp for 36 young people, providing training in end-user computing, UI/UX design, office administration, data science, and other relevant topics. Andrew Bourne, Zoho’s regional head for Africa, emphasised the synergy between Zoho and these initiatives, stating, “Through upskilling initiatives such as these, technology can become a true driver of equality and opportunity. It can open doors for those who previously lacked access, effectively levelling the playing field.”
Zoho’s Vision for Tech Education Across Africa
Zoho’s commitment to tech education extends beyond South Africa, with additional partnerships in Kenya and Nigeria. In Kenya, Zoho has partnered with MOMO Pencils, a Nairobi-based manufacturer of eco-friendly stationery, on the “Hope for Literacy” program. This initiative is focused on eradicating intergenerational poverty by providing children from underserved communities access to quality education and raising awareness about environmental sustainability.
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Furthermore, Zoho has partnered with J-Hub Africa, a digital innovation hub at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. This collaboration aims to equip technology students with essential skills in Zoho’s cloud-based business software, preparing them for the workforce across various industries.
Zoho has joined forces in Nigeria with She Code Africa (SCA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering African women in technology. Zoho will conduct “Mentor the Trainer” workshops for SCA Academy trainers, who will then pass on their knowledge to students, teaching them how to build low-code applications. This partnership underscores Zoho’s commitment to increasing the participation of African women in the tech industry.
Zoho’s initiatives across Africa highlight its commitment to creating educational opportunities, equipping African youth and women with vital technology skills, and fostering long-term economic growth. Through these partnerships, Zoho aims to make technology a valid driver of equality and opportunity on the continent.