Andela, the renowned talent accelerator for African tech professionals, has joined forces with the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) to launch an ambitious training initiative aimed at equipping over 20,000 developers across Africa with advanced cloud-native skills. Set to commence in 2025, this initiative underscores the growing demand for cloud-native expertise as global businesses increasingly adopt these technologies.
The program offers free access to training and certification opportunities in Kubernetes, the leading open-source tool for automating and managing containerized applications, alongside other cloud-native technologies. Participants will have the chance to earn two industry-recognized certifications:
Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) – A foundational certification that provides a comprehensive introduction to the Kubernetes and cloud-native ecosystem.
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) – An advanced certification that validates skills in designing and deploying cloud-native applications.
This partnership is a game-changer for African tech professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups who often face financial barriers to obtaining certifications.
With demand for cloud-native developers rising, the certifications could serve as a launchpad for career advancement, with 55% of certified developers reporting new job opportunities and 67% feeling more fulfilled in their roles.
Andela, already a leader in nurturing African tech talent, is leveraging its extensive talent marketplace, which spans 49 countries and includes 150,000 professionals. This initiative builds on the company’s track record, having trained 15% of Africa’s 716,000 engineers, to prepare the next generation of tech leaders.
For CNCF, the partnership represents a mutually beneficial endeavor. As global companies face a shortage of skilled workers in cloud-native technologies, this program helps bridge that gap while providing African developers with access to high-paying remote jobs.
The training, which lasts six to nine months, will prepare participants for roles that demand cutting-edge cloud expertise, aligning with industry needs.
This collaboration aligns with the rapid growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem, where the developer community plays a critical role.
By equipping professionals with sought-after cloud-native skills, Andela and CNCF are positioning African talent to compete on a global scale, further integrating the continent into the digital economy.