The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), a steward of cloud-native software ecosystems, has announced a strategic partnership with Andela, a global tech talent marketplace, to provide free training for up to 30,000 African developers in cloud-native technologies. This collaboration aims to equip African technologists with sought-after skills in Kubernetes and cloud-native development, enabling them to compete in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.
The program, scheduled to launch next year, will span two to three years and focus on preparing participants for the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) and Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certifications. These certifications validate expertise in designing, building, and deploying cloud-native applications, providing a competitive edge in the global job market.
Chris Aniszczyk, CTO at CNCF, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, saying:
“By standardizing cloud-native knowledge, we enable developers worldwide to pursue certifications that unlock global opportunities. Partnering with Andela allows us to bring this training to underrepresented communities, creating mutual benefits for companies needing skilled workers and individuals seeking meaningful opportunities.”
Addressing Talent Demand in Africa
Africa is witnessing an unprecedented surge in its developer population. According to Google’s Africa Developer Ecosystem Report 2021, the continent is emerging as a global talent hub, with 38% of African developers working for companies outside the region. Andela CEO Carrol Chang underscored Africa’s strategic importance:
“The continent’s young, rapidly growing workforce is key to addressing the global tech talent shortage. Organizations increasingly demand advanced skills like AI and cloud-native expertise. This partnership strengthens Africa’s position in the global tech ecosystem.”
Andela, known for its extensive network of over 150,000 technology professionals, will manage the participant selection process. Its talent marketplace spans 49 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, and has a proven track record of collaborating with global tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft.
Bridging the Certification Cost Barrier
The partnership also addresses a critical barrier to entry: the cost of certification. A CNCF survey revealed that 81% of respondents cited financial constraints as a key obstacle to completing certifications. By offering training free of charge, CNCF and Andela aim to democratize access to high-demand skills, fostering inclusivity in the tech industry.
Clyde Seepersad, Senior Vice President at Linux Foundation Education, emphasized the broader mission:
“Training and certifying underrepresented groups is essential to sustaining the open-source ecosystem and amplifying its impact. Partnerships like this enable us to fulfill that mission effectively.”
Participants will undergo intensive six- to nine-month training programs, acquiring foundational and advanced cloud-native skills. These certifications are not just career milestones; they are gateways to higher job satisfaction and engagement. CNCF data shows that 55% of developers secure new roles post-certification, with 67% reporting increased fulfillment in their work.
The demand for cloud-native skills continues to grow as businesses increasingly adopt scalable, open-source software solutions. CNCF, which oversees critical technologies like Kubernetes and Prometheus, plays a pivotal role in this shift. With over 800 member organizations and a global developer network, CNCF is at the forefront of fostering cloud-native adoption.
As Africa’s digital economy expands, initiatives like this underscore the region’s potential as a global tech powerhouse. By equipping African developers with industry-recognized certifications, CNCF and Andela are not only bridging skill gaps but also positioning the continent as a key player in the future of cloud technology.