Training the Best Software Developers – Developing Software Talent in Africa

Did you know that 38% of African Software developers work for at least one company based outside the continent? According to Google’s research, that is indeed the case. This shows that there are top-notch training programs in Africa that have enabled the global marketability of our abilities.

To better comprehend what exactly is the icing on the cake, perhaps we can look in to the systems and principles underlying these training courses.

Even before we discuss the systems and concepts, I believe we should acknowledge the talent, passion, devotion, and tenacity required of these developers. Africa is a tremendously large continent, and each of its nations has its own unique systems for educating and guiding its students. However, despite their various Approaches, we observe that each nation is strongly represented globally by its software developers specialists. For instance, according to the same Google analysis from 2021, Nigeria was the continent’s top producer of talent in this field. It expanded its pool of expert developers by an expected 5,000. It was followed by Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Tunisia  among others.

Principles of Software Developers

Let us have a sneak peek at the general principles that are instilled in the software developers in their training journey.

• Requirement Analysis

software that has been developed with a strong grasp of user requirements adds value for its users. To be a great software developer, you must be able to do a requirement analysis.  By doing this, you will be able deliver high-quality software that satisfies users’ needs.

• Simplicity

To make debugging and subsequent maintenance as easy as possible, all designs and implementations should be as straightforward as feasible.

• Modularity

Following the modularity concept entails dividing software into components based on responsibility and usefulness. This helps system components or functionalities to be  independent.

• Consistency

The consistency principle acknowledges that it is simpler to carry out tasks in a setting that is familiar. When creating graphical user interfaces, consistency serves two functions. First, people may learn to use software more quickly when it has a consistent look and feel. Second, a consistent user interface promotes reuse of the interface components.

• Think and Act

A fundamental tenet of software engineering is “Think then Act,” which suggests that before designing functionality, one must first consider the application architecture. This is important because well-thought-out project planning yields superior outcomes.

• Incremental Development

You need to create the program in stages during this process. This  way verification is made easier by an incremental software development approach. You only need to deal with the newly introduced feature if you develop software in small functional increments. If any errors are found, they are already partially isolated, making them much simpler to fix.

There are numerous principles that direct software developers, but I have only highlighted the top most because, as I said earlier, this is just a sneak peak. 

As a continent, we are very grateful for world class online courses that also ensure that our students get relevant market skills. However, Since there are many options available and these courses can be pretty expensive it would be sad if our students end up commiting time and money and not get a return on the investments. I have come up with a list of a few good ones that may be a great fit.

• Coding Dojo has the most technologies covered. It is a Full-Time Remote Software development course.

• App Academy is a 24 weeks Software Engineering immersive course. It is very affordable.

•  General Assembly is a Software Engineering Immersive Online Course with the best job support.

• Flatiron School has an online Software Engineering course that is highly recommende. It has actually been a  top pick by many students

• The most beginner-friendly software engineering bootcamp is Thinkful. You may consider checking it out if you are in your very initial stages of this career path.

The principles, adequate training, and talent in the African continent will result in the creation of a large number more industry professionals. The world should be ready for more African talent.