Discover the Best Coding Boot Camps for Empowering Futures in Africa
All you need to know about coding bootcamps in Africa
The right coding bootcamp can jumpstart your career as a developer or it can be a great tool to improve your skills
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Coding Bootcamps in Africa
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Demand for African Developers
Software development in Africa is rapidly evolving and here is why
African tech startups which are responsible for hiring more than half of the local developers raised more than $4 billion dollars in 2021. With 22% of sub-Saharan small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) increasing their internet usage, the demand for web development services naturally increased as well. The higher demand for remote development work also resulted in increased global opportunities. 38% of African developers are contracted to at least one company based outside of the continent. The pandemic also played a part in African talent being scouted and recruited by global companies. According to Google’s Africa Developer Ecosystem Report 2021, the number of African professional developers in the workforce defied economic contractions to increase by 3.8% or, 716 000, making up 0.4% of the continent’s non-agricultural workforce. The frontrunner for churning out the talent was Nigeria with an estimated 5000 new professional developers in 2021. The country is able to produce such numbers due to its online academies and reputable coding boot camps. Morocco was next as they added 3 000 new professionals, while South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Tunisia added 2 000 each to their respective talent pool. However, South Africa leads the continent in the total number of software developers, with 121 000 followed by Egypt and Nigeria which tied, at roughly 89 000 each. The continent’s main hubs of top tech talent and startups weren’t the only ones that experienced growth as other emerging ecosystems recorded impressive numbers. Senegal, Algeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Mozambique also increased their numbers, with each country adding an estimated 1,000 software developers respectively.
One of the key factors driving this upward trajectory of salary and compensation increases is the growing demand for tech talent both within the continent and abroad. African developers are increasingly being sought after by local startups, global companies, and even remote work opportunities from around the world. The talent of software developers' average salary and remuneration has increased while more developers secured full-time jobs. This growing demand for African tech talent has resulted in developers being able to negotiate better and secure more lucrative contracts.
Additionally, the expanding startup ecosystem on the continent has played a vital role in boosting developers' earning potential. As the number of startups grows, so does the demand for skilled developers to drive their technological advancements. Nowadays, its common practice for tech startups to offer competitive salaries. Other companies also offer equity options on top of the remuneration, giving the developers an incentive to become stakeholders in the company they work for. This combination of these two factors of competitive incentives and the future stakes of a company has contributed to the average increase in salaries for African developers.
Out of the 16 countries that were recorded within the Google Africa Developer Report, except for 2 countries that had negative percentages, in other words, the salaries in those countries decreased, the other 14 countries reported positive percentages with the minimum being 2%. The highest percentage increase was 10%. This was taken during the year 2021.
These factors have contributed to African software developers seeing a visible improvement in their financial package offerings. Higher average salaries attract more individuals to pursue careers in tech but they also contribute to the growth and development of the African tech industry as a whole. The climbing trend signals that the future looks bright as more individuals are encouraged to learn coding skills and join the tech sector to ensure that Africa continues on its upward trajectory.
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What is a Coding Boot Camp?
How boot camps improve skill and aid in the growth of software developers
A coding boot camp is an intensive course that teaches the necessary skills and technical proficiency and provides real-world training for people seeking jobs in computer and information technology fields. These camps reduce the high barriers to entry that are found in traditional tertiary institutions by condensing the time and expense by focusing on the hard skills that employers seek. As a result, boot camps can provide an accelerated path to a rewarding career in the tech industry.
Coding boot camps are less theoretically based and more project-based than traditional tertiary programmes. They focus on the core coding skills, languages, and techniques used commonly in the industry today. Students complete the boot camp with a portfolio of projects to show prospective employers, benefit from a range of career-service offerings, and can usually complete the boot camp a lot faster than a traditional tertiary program.
Where a typical university degree can last upward from 2 years to about 4 years, coding boot camps are set up to be intense and immersive programmes to be completed in a few months, even in a matter of weeks in some cases. Another factor that aids in the swift nature of the programme is the fact that coding boot camps tend to focus more narrowly on the curriculum, specifically coding languages, frameworks, and industry skills directly applicable to specific job roles. As opposed to a holistic learning approach which covers many different subjects outside of the tech industry.
Given their shorter timelines, coding boot camps are structured to be more cost-effective and outcome-focused. They also allow students more flexibility allowing students to choose either part-time, full-time or even online options to accommodate different schedules.
The difficulties the majority of the African population faces when it comes to education with the high barriers to entry proposes coding boot camps as a viable solution for many aspiring individuals. The flexibility with learning schedules and preferences, the lower costs, and the shorter duration of programmes make them very enticing for students looking to acquire a high-value skill and enter an exciting sector on the continent.
High-income or high-value skills are tools and expertise that employers tend to value highly, or more so than others and they may make it easier to switch jobs or even industries. These job skills may be rare which is why they’re often crucial to running a successful business. These skills are also generally more lucrative in terms of salary expectations. When taking a look at the list, reports forecasting the most in-demand skills through to 2030 from the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pearson, Future Learn, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Coursera were looked at. The second one on the list after Data Analysis was Software Development, emphasising its global demand for more software developers. In third was User Experience followed by Web Development in fourth. Once again stating the global trend of businesses moving online and becoming digitised.
There are numerous roles one could pursue after completing the boot camp programme. Most people think you either become one of two or three options but that isn’t the case. Other opportunities become available for individuals who have successfully finished their coding education journey as they are not confined to software engineers or web development. We’ll discuss some of these roles and explain the duties within them.
1. Technical Support Specialist
This role provides technical support to consumers of a digital product, computer, or other technical devices. Coding boot camps prepare these professionals for troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs, updating software, installing programs, monitoring digital security, and calling for repairs to hardware.
2. UI Designer
A User Interface (UI) designer collaborates with User Experience (UX) designers, and developers to create applications that are user-friendly and help users journey through the product. They achieve this by making the digital offering accessible, attractive, and seamless. At coding boot camps, UI designers are able to A/B test, analyse and incorporate user feedback, and understand how best to integrate design principles with code to achieve a product best suited for their users.
3. Junior Developer
There are different avenues that a junior developer can take. Whether that’s becoming a web developer, a full-stack developer, or something else later on in their career. Upon finishing boot camp, the duties involved in this role include assisting senior members of the team in designing, coding, testing, revising, troubleshooting, and debugging software. Being able to find and fix errors to ensure the streamlining of the code is essential.
4. Data Analyst
A data analyst organises, analyses, and selects insights from large sets of data. A coding boot camp can prepare them for responsibilities like statistical testing and using specific coding languages like SQL to interact with said data.
5. Web Developer
Not to be confused with a software developer, web developers focus primarily on web-based applications such as websites, e-commerce, and mobile applications as that is their specialty. Within the role, they write all of the code for a website, test and troubleshoot interactivity. They also use CSS to create an attractive design and monitor the site's effectiveness. Through coding programmes, they learn the basic and advanced techniques for HTML, CSS, UI/UX design, and accessibility.
6. App Developer
Similar to a web developer who mainly focuses on website development, app developers are in charge of designing, coding, testing, iterating, troubleshooting, and assessing software applications for mobile devices, computers, or other specialised technical equipment. In both web and app development, African developers have strong programming skills and experience. About 47% of developers are proficient in Android app development specifically and web development respectively. This makes sense given the huge market on the continent with most of the population being Android users.
7. Software Engineer
Software engineers’ duties include creating complex programmes for operating systems as well as implementing designs into prototypes and final products for digital assets like computer software. Other duties include researching user requirements, developing systems and functionality that caters to the end user, and writing efficient code for various programmes.
8. Full Stack Developer
Proficient in both front-end and back-end development, a full-stack developer is able to build websites and applications by designing, coding, and updating both the user-facing front end and the infrastructure back end. They are taught to handle the complete development cycle of web applications, working on both the client-side and server-side components. Coding boot camps prepares these individuals with the knowledge and skills for both sides of development. This includes extensive practice with front-end languages like HTML and CSS and back-end languages like Python and C++.
9. Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
The professional in this role is responsible for ensuring the quality and functionality of software applications. Coding boot camp teaches them to write and execute test cases, identify and report bugs, and collaborate with development teams to improve the overall software quality and functionality.
10. Development Operations (DevOps) Engineer
A mediator between development and operations teams to streamline feedback, automate processes, and manage software deployment and infrastructure. Ultimately, they ensure collaboration and cohesion between the different departments. Equipped with the knowledge of infrastructure automation and deployment tools, they must have an in-depth understanding of both software development and operations, coding basics for both teams (front and back end), and best security-related practices.
These are a few examples of the various job possibilities available to coding boot camp graduates. The specific roles and industries they can apply for can vary based on their acquired skills, prior experience, and portfolio of work.
Much of the tech industry’s growth has been concentrated in a few select countries, most notably South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya. Combined, these countries make up more than half (56%) of the continent’s professional developers. South Africa alone has the biggest number of professional developers by some distance, at more than 120 thousand, which is a 17 percent share of all developers on the continent. Egypt and Nigeria have about 30,000 lesser, with 89,000 per country in 2021. Be that as it may, it’s worth remembering here that if we purely focused on the numbers, we’d discover that Nigeria saw the greatest increase of developers between the two years, with five thousand more devs in 2021 than in 2020.
While most of the countries included in the report saw growth, Uganda and Rwanda saw their numbers fall, by -1 percent and -3 percent, respectively. The majority of African professional developers within the continent (85%) are men, with women developers making up only 15% of the total number. With regard to age, 80% of Africa's professional developers are less than 35 years old. Specifically, about 33% of those are between 18 and 24, even as 47% are between 25 and 34 years old. Those between 45-54 make up only 3% of the total number of professional developers in Africa.
South Africa: Has the highest concentration with a total of 121 000. Egypt: Has a total of 89 000 professional developers as of 2021. Nigeria: This country also has a total of 89 000 professional software developers. Kenya: Has 60,000 professional developers. Morocco: Has 50 000 professional developers.
Algeria: This country has a total of 29 000 professional developers. Tunisia: Has a total of 23 000 professional developers. Cameroon: Has a total of 21 000 professional developers. Ethiopia: Has a total of 19 000 professional developers. Ghana: Has 18 000 professional developers.
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Coding Boot Camps in South Africa
South Africa currently holds the largest concentration of developers in Africa
As previously mentioned, South Africa has produced and maintained the largest supply of software developers on the continent. This not only stems from the booming tech industry but also from the influx of global funding for startups looking to scale and expand. The attractiveness of coding boot camps within the country offers underserved communities a chance to enter a well-sought-after industry and make a career in a very competitive market. With regard to what these programmes are trying to solve, there are two main challenges; youth unemployment and a shortage of software skills in the country. The following coding boot camps are a solution to such issues.
1. WeThinkCode
WeThinkCode is an on-site programme based in either Johannesburg or Cape Town. The duration of the courses lasts around 16 weeks which is followed up by 4 months of training work experience. This is dependent on the student's performance. Graduate students are offered an opportunity to interview with sponsoring employers for potential placement into permanent employment.
The focus subjects for this boot camp are as follows. Programming fundamentals, that being Python. Then there’s object-oriented programming, i.e. Java, working on existing codebases (Brownfields Development), and Distributed System Architecture. Lastly, there are courses on mobile and web applications. The course is MICT SETA accredited with an NQF (National Qualifications Framework)level of 5. There are no costs or payments when applying for the programmes. Additionally, students receive a stipend during their course duration.
The application process is done online where they also have to complete an assessment to test their technical proficiency. If they’re successful, they embark on a 6-day coding boot camp. Afterward, they have a final interview where they are then told whether they’re invited to the programme or not. An appealing feature of this boot camp are the industry partners that are linked to them, namely Absa Bank, Yoco, Standard Bank, Outsurance, Momentum Metropolitan, and many other industry leaders.
2. Umuzi
Unlike WeThinkCode, Umuzi coding boot camp is fully remote with no physical locations in the country. Courses are usually 12 months long with a 3-month long work experience training programme with a sponsoring partner. The last 3 months of the internship are dependent on the learner's performance in the first 9 months. The boot camp is broken down into three tiers of training opportunities: The first tier is Fundamental, Professional is the second tier and the third tier relates to Specialisations. They are offered as both unemployed and employed opportunities as well as various short courses.
Subject topics include Full-stack Web Development, Data Science, Data Engineering, Java Systems, UI Design, UX Strategy, Copywriting, and Business Analysis. Covering a wider range of topics which allows individuals to decide which avenue they want to pursue. The accreditation is the same as WeThinkCode with an NQF level of 5. No entry or payment fee is required to register. As for the application process, students must complete an online aptitude test with the highest scorers being invited to a 2-3 week boot camp. Applicants then get invited to participate in a 3-month bridging course before they start the full-time programme.
The sponsoring partners that students have the opportunity of gaining work experience from include but are not limited to Old Mutual, Sanlam, Telkom, Bidvest, Discovery, Standard Bank, and many other reputable partners.
3. CodeX
CodeX offers a hybrid learning experience with a remote learning option or an on-site location based in Cape Town. The initial course is for 1 year with additional courses available for students. Their aim is preparing students for real-world job experience with assistance in setting up interviews for internships and work placements. Their focus areas in split into two avenues. The general curriculum is similar to Umuzi with courses such as Full-Stack Web Development (JavaScript, Java or C#), and Agile workplace readiness. The other path is specifically for sponsored graduates, namely Java course (Oracle OCA certification, exam cost included) or a 6-month Web App Development Workplace Incubation for female graduates.
Like the other two boot camps, the accreditation level is MICT SETA backed with an NQF level of 5. Where this boot camp differs from the rest is when it comes to the payment fees. A Full-Stack course costs R74 750, although many students are sponsored. Students can apply for sponsorships that covers some or all of the tuition cost. The coding boot camp offers educational loans via a financial plan as well as a stipend.
Individuals apply online by completing free online courses. After which, they do an online interview. If successful, they go on a 2 week boot camp. Thereafter, if they’re successful they get accepted into the programme. As for industry partners, Allan Gray, Uber, Capitec are the few honorary mentions among an established list.
4. HyperionDev
HyperionDev can either be attended remotely or on-site (Cape Town & Johannesburg). Participants can choose between part-time & full-time. Courses are usually between 3 to 12 months. Job preparation training includes interview prep & introductions to hiring companies provided. Additionally, they offer free career benefits through their HyperionDev Graduate Programme.
Costs associated with a part time course are roughly R4 999 - R6 750 per month. If attending full-time, it will cost between R9 998 - R13 500 per month. Individuals that prefer to pay upfront can expect costs between R24 995 - R69 995. HyperionDev do offer loan and funding options through Manati (an alternative student funding organisation). Students can apply for a needs-based scholarship where they’ll receive 37% off their fees. Unlike the previous two, they don’t offer students a stipend.
An accreditation NQF Level 5. A unique selling point that not many other coding boot camps offer is that students can add NQF aligned content to the standard bootcamps for a fee. The application process involves signing up and registering for a free trial. It’s required that an individual complete basic tasks and wait to receive code feedback. They then talk to an admissions consultant before submitting their application.
Their focus areas are Full-Stack Web Development, Software Engineering (Java & Python), and Data Science. They have hiring partnerships with companies like Lumn8 and DVT and boast an impressive 85% graduate placement rate. Their industry partners include the likes of Google, Manati, Facebook and other established businesses in the country.
5. Codespace
A fully remote coding boot camp, courses can range anywhere from 1 to 9 months with each course requiring 10 to 40 hours per week. In preparing them for job placements, students are guided to build a portfolio of projects, and assisted with workplace skills and interview preparations. Subjects offered include Front-End Development, Back-End Development, Software Development (Full-Stack), Mobile Development, DevOps, Web Design.
Prices for the various courses range from R2 990 - R4 990 per month. Various scholarships for underprivileged students are available, as well as a study loan option. Like HyprionDev, Codespace doesn’t offer students a stipend. Their application process is straightforward and not as rigorous as other boot camps. An individual that wants to apply simply does so online and awaits a response from the institution.
Codespace as the institution is MICT SETA accredited, but the courses are not. The Software Development course (Full-Stack) is an NQF Level 5 equivalent. Students can request a certificate through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Their graduates have a 91% placement rate. Which explains why their industry partners are the likes of Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and other tech industry leaders.
6. Life Choices Academy
A coding boot camp out of Cape Town, the duration of training is 6 months long. Job readiness training includes a soft skills and professional development programme followed by a 6-month paid internship (dependent on student performance during training). Graduates can also gain work experience by working on projects for Non Profit Organisations or small businesses through LC Studio.
They only offer one programme for free which is Full-Stack Web Development. But they do seek that alumni join the “Pay-it-forward” programme once employed to contribute towards the cost of the programme which is R35 000. The programme itself isn’t accredited. The application process starts out with applying online. Shortlisted candidates do a 1 day boot camp before progressing to an interview. If they’re successful, they are invited into the programme. Life Choices Academy partners with Momentum Metropolitan, Old Mutual, IsoFlow among other organisations.
7. School of IT
School of IT coding boot camp is situated in the Western Cape where students can attend on the premises. Alternatively, students can enrol remotely. The duration of programmes range from a couple of days to 10 months, depending on which course was selected. With regards to job preparation, students are assisted with CV prep and leads for their job search.
A comprehensive list of programmes are offered, from introductory programming courses to more advanced software development & engineering courses. Web Development, Full-Stack Development, Data Science, SQL courses, AWS courses as well as Mobile App development. Costs for programmes range from R10 900 to R68 400. Courses that are 30 hours or less require full payment before commencement. If the course is over 30 hours, students are allowed to pay at 20-hour intervals.
None of the courses are SETA accredited however students are prepped and given resources to write international Microsoft, Oracle, CompTIA, or Adobe exams. All of which comes at an additional cost. The coding boot camp does not offer students a stipend. Similar to Codespace, all individuals have to do is register online and wait for the institution to reply. As for industry partners, Toyota, Old Mutual, Santam and Capitec are some of the big names associated with the boot camp.
8. Code College
Code College operates out of Johannesburg, whether in Woodmead or Alberton, offering on-site learning as well as remote learning. The hybrid learning model is also available, giving students flexibility. The course lasts for a duration of a year. As opposed to getting them job-ready, Code College outsources that part of their programme by enrolling students into the junior internship by Compuways to grow their practical skill set.
The course offers a comprehensive list of focus areas, them being Web Development (Python, React, SQL), Data Science / AI Development, Java Development, Intro to Programming (JavaScript); other short courses available in various languages, and Systems Development. Out of the various courses, only the Systems Development course is accredited at NQF Level 5. Other courses can be NQF Level 5 accredited but must be requested at a cost.
With regards to the payment options, there are tiered options depending on what boot camp an individual wants to pursue. Entry courses are priced between R8 995 - R15 000. The Web Development boot camp costs R39 995. The AI Development and Java Development boot camps are both priced at R74 995 as the more expensive offerings. Students can apply for bursaries or loans to assist with tuition payments. Code College doesn’t offer students a stipend. The application process requires individuals to fill out an online form. From there, you might be required to take the ‘Intro to Programming’ course before proceeding with a full-time course. Manati, MictSETA, and others have chosen to partner with Code College.
9. Explore AI Academy
With physical learning sites based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, a remote option is also available for individuals who want to learn from home or elsewhere. Courses range anywhere from 6 weeks to a year. For job preparation, a course that includes job searching guidelines, a personal development plan, and resume-building is provided. Additionally, every student has access to a career coach. Internships are included in two Data Science programmes.
The coding boot camp only offers Data Science, Data Engineering, and various other short courses. The longer courses (6 - 12 months) are MICT SETA accredited at an NQF Level 5. When it comes to course prices, there are three options. An upfront option costs between R10 000 to R60 000. A pay-as-you-learn option will cost between R3 500 to R12 000 per month. Alternatively, a loan option will cost around R1 300 to R2 400 on a monthly basis.
For Data Science programme options, students can also apply for a sponsored programme (12 months), and the EXPLORE Accelerator Income Share Agreement programme (9 months), where fees are paid back once they are employed. When applying, students can register online for the normal courses. When applying for the scholarship and EXPLORE Accelerator programme, requirements include an aptitude assessment, a Python boot camp, a video interview submission, and a contracting stage upon acceptance.
AI Explore Academy partners include Woolworths, Old Mutual, Hollard, and other industry leaders.
In summary, South Africa has a range of coding boot camp options at varying price points for any individual interested in gaining software and web development skills for a career in tech. Bootcamps offer hands-on learning, networking, and access to industry-leading partners that provide a viable path to employment from these intensive programs. Seeking to bridge the gap between the demand for tech professionals and the opportunities for underserved communities that are alienated by traditional tertiary institutions.
Coding boot camps have been growing in popularity in Egypt over the past few years. These intensive training programs aim to teach students coding and tech skills that are in high demand in the job market. The following are some of the top coding boot camps in Egypt:
1. Flatiron School
Flatiron School is a renowned coding boot camp that launched in Cairo in 2019. They offer full-time and part-time programmes in software engineering. They mainly focus on languages like Ruby, JavaScript, and React. Their courses range from around 32,000 to 47,000 EGP. Flatiron partners with major tech companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Udacity.
2. Edukat Tutoring
Edukat provides data science and web development boot camps in Cairo. Their data science course covers topics like Python, machine learning, and natural language processing. The web dev course focuses on JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and React. Course fees range from 18,000 to 27,000 EGP. Industry partners with the coding boot camp include DS3 and Information Technology Institute.
3. Nile University Coding Bootcamps
Nile University offers summer coding boot camps for university students as well as recent graduates. Their programmes include full-stack web development, mobile app development, digital marketing, and eSports programming (an uncommon programme). The boot camps last 3-4 weeks and cost between 5,500 to 7,500 EGP. Nile University partners with major tech companies like Microsoft and startups such as SoloLearn and Orcas.
4. g2 Academy
22 Academy provides full-time programmes in software engineering and UX/UI design in Cairo. Their 12-week software engineering course costs 38,000 EGP and covers JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and React. Their UX/UI course costs 18,000 EGP and lasts for around 6 weeks. g2 Academy partners with organisations like IBM, startups such as Odiggo, and freelancing platforms like Upwork.
Other popular coding boot camps include Tawwr, Gomycode Cairo and NuCamp.
The coding boot camp space in Egypt continues to expand, offering more specialised courses to meet the demand for programming and tech skills in the market. They aim to prepare students for careers as web developers, software engineers, and UX designers. The partnerships with tech companies also help in facilitating job opportunities for students after completing the programmes.
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Coding Boot Camps in Nigeria
Leading bootcamps in Northern Africa
Andela
Andela is a renowned engineering boot camp that launched in Nigeria in 2014. They offer a 4-year program for software developers focusing on technologies like JavaScript, Python, and React. Andela does not charge tuition fees but takes a cut of graduates' salaries once they become employed. Andela’s partners include leading companies the likes of Google, Microsoft, and GitLab.
Decagon Institute
Decagon is a Lagos-based boot camp offering 3-month programmes in software engineering and data science. Their software engineering course covers web and mobile development, while data science focuses on Python, SQL, and machine learning. Course fees are around US$1,300. Decagon partners with Oracle, Signal Alliance, and Accenture.
Nest Academy
Nest Academy provides 4 to 6-month programmes in Lagos for web development, product management, digital marketing, and business analytics. Their web development course focuses on JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Costs for the courses range from US$750 to US$1,500. The industry partners include a list of companies such as Google, IBM, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Generation Code
Generation Code is a social enterprise that offers free 1-year programmes for training primary and secondary school students to code. Their focus areas cover web development, game development, and robotics. Generation Code partners with Oracle Academy, Google Developer Groups, and Lego Education.
Code Train
Code Train is a boot camp in Lagos providing 3-6 month courses in software engineering, data science, and product design. Their programs cover technologies like Python, Django, SQL and UI/UX design tools. Fees range from around US$ 1,000 to US$2,500. Code Train's partners include Google Developer Groups, Oracle, and Anthropic AI.
The boot camp space in Nigeria continues to grow rapidly, with both local and international organisations providing programs. While tuition does differ, many boot camps offer scholarships and flexible payment options. Students across economic levels can acquire programming and tech skills to prepare them for careers in Nigeria's emerging digital economy. Partnerships with major companies also help students gain experience and find job opportunities.
Kenya
Moringa School is a popular coding boot camp in Nairobi offering courses in software engineering, UX/UI design, and product management. Their engineering course focuses on web development with technologies like JavaScript, Python, and Django. Course fees range from US$500 to US$1500. Moringa partners with Microsoft, Safaricom Academy, and HelloWorld coding hub.
Akirachix provides training specifically for women and girls in Nairobi to learn coding and tech skills. They offer 3-month programmes in software development, UX design, and project management. Course fees are around US$300. Akirachix partners with African Leadership Academy, iHub, and UN Women.
Geekie Academy is a Brazilian boot camp that launched in Nairobi, providing programmes for software engineering and digital marketing. Their engineering course covers web and mobile development. Digital marketing includes data analysis, social media, and SEM techniques. Course fees range from US$1500 to US$3000. Geekie Academy partners with Nairobi Garage and Mdundo.com.
Semicolon is a local nonprofit boot camp offering free 6-month programmes for software engineering and digital marketing in Mombasa and Nairobi. Their courses cover front-end web development, PHP/MySQL, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Semicolon is supported by companies such as Safaricom, Google Developers Groups, and the Association for Progressive Communications.
CodeNamespace offers 3-month courses in Nairobi for software engineering, cybersecurity, and IT support. Their engineering programme covers web development with JavaScript, Python, or NET. Course fees range from US$500 to US$1500. CodeNamespace partners with IBM, Microsoft Imagine Academy, and AIESEC in Kenya.
Ghana
MEST is a pan-African boot camp offering free 1-year programmes in software engineering and business entrepreneurship in Accra. The engineering course covers web and mobile development with technologies like PHP, Python, and React. MEST is currently partnered with Microsoft, Google, and Partech Ventures. Graduates get assistance to build startups or work for multinational companies.
iSpace Ghana provides 3-month courses in software engineering, product management, and digital marketing in Accra. Their engineering programme focuses on web development using JavaScript,Node.js and React. Course fees range from US$750 to US$1500. iSpace partners with industry names such as Didi, MTN, and Vodafone Ghana.
Soronko Academy is a boot camp in Accra offering 6-week programmes for software engineering, product design, and social impact. Their engineering course covers front-end web development and mobile apps using technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React Native. Fees are around US$500. Soronko Academy partners with Ashesi University and Design Hub Africa.
DevCongress offers 3-month programmes in software engineering and UI/UX design in Accra. Their engineering course focuses on mobile development using Java for Android and Swift for iOS. UI/UX covers tools like Photoshop, Sketch, and Illustrator. Course fees differ from US$1200 to about US$2000. DevCongress is currently partnered with Hubtel, Ashesi University, and iSpace, to name a few.
Codetrain is a boot camp providing short programmes in software engineering, cyber security, and digital skills in Accra. Their engineering courses cover web and mobile development using technologies such as Python, PHP, and React. Fees for the courses range from US$500 to US$1500. Codetrain partners with industry leaders like Oracle, AITI-KACE, and Google Developer Groups.
Morocco
Simplon.co is a leading boot camp in Morocco offering 7-month programmes in software engineering, UX/UI design, and digital marketing across Casablanca, Tangier, and Rabat. Their engineering course covers web and mobile development using JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and React. Simplon.co has alliances with major companies like Google, Microsoft, DELL, and Orange Morocco.
Le Wagon is a popular international boot camp that launched in Casablanca, providing 9-week programmes in software engineering and UX/UI design. Their engineering course focuses on web development using Ruby on Rails and JavaScript. UX/UI covers tools like Sketch, InVision and Adobe XD. Course costs range from around US$6,000. Le Wagon partners with companies such as NUMA and marvel.ma.
Tech Institute offers 3-6 month intensive boot camps in software engineering, digital marketing, and project management in Casablanca. Their engineering programme covers Java, C++, PHP, and web development with WordPress. Digital marketing includes SEO, social media, and Google Ads. Course fees range from US$1,000 to US$3,000. Tech Institute has alliances with Phone Group, Voyage Prive, and AXA Assurance amongst others.
UX School provides 15-week programmes for UX/UI design in Casablanca. Their curriculum covers UX research techniques like user testing, wireframing, and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Figma, and InVision. Course fees are around US$5,000. UX School has alliances with PwC, Publicis, and DDB Casablanca.
In conclusion, coding boot camps in Africa are playing a vital role in creating in-demand tech professionals from underserved communities. These boot camps have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional universities and colleges, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for individuals seeking a career in the tech industry.
Coding boot camps offer intensive and flexible training that allows many individuals that otherwise wouldn’t have access to coding skills to participate in programmes. They focus on hands-on learning over a theoretical approach, which aligns with the demands of the industry. This approach enables students to gain real-world experience and develop relevant skills that are highly valued by employers. Reduced commitments in terms of time and finance mean individuals become qualified in less time with less potential debt and can start gaining valuable experience with the many industry partners that form alliances with these boot camps.
Overall, coding boot camps in Africa are helping to bridge the skills gap and create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Through their innovative and accessible approach to education, they are empowering individuals from all walks of life, including underprivileged communities to pursue fulfilling careers in technology and contribute to the digital transformation of the continent.
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