Afretec, University of Nairobi, and ALX, on Thursday, 27, March 2024 hosted The Tech Skills Marketplace event, a partnership that will see students gain in-demand tech skills to prepare them for employment and entrepreneurial engagements. The event gave everyone a great look at what it takes to really shine in tech. A combination of professionals and alumni from ALX, Afretec Innovation and Entrepreneurship team at the University of Nairobi, and the Chair of the Department of Computing and Informatics, came together to share insights on what matters for student success in the tech industry. The big message? Tech skills matter, but so do things like acting professionally and making connections. Speakers shared their experiences, painting a clear picture of what’s out there in tech – both the good stuff and the tough parts. The students walked away feeling inspired and with some solid tips to help them succeed.
Event Highlights and Insights
Opening Remarks: Dr. Ruhiu, who heads up innovation and entrepreneurship at Afretec and teaches in the Department of Computing and Informatics, kicked things off by introducing Prof. Andrew Kahonge. Prof. Kahonge talked about a network of universities focused on tech and engineering, stressing how important it is to work together and grow as a group.
Skills for the Workplace: Prof. Kahonge drove home the point that you need more than just tech smarts to make it in the working world. Soft skills – like managing your time, working with others, keeping promises, and dealing with bosses – are super important. ALX wants to help people become professionals who make a real difference. They also mentioned cool new AI courses, like AI 101 and AI Essentials.
Leadership and Getting Connected: Diana Nekessa, Student Recruitment Analyst at ALX, talked about how partnerships can give students chances on a global scale, especially in tough fields like AI and data. She emphasized top-notch training to build leadership and entrepreneurial skills, backed by determination, patience, a positive attitude, and a go-getter mindset. Her advice? “Be a doer, not just a talker.” She encouraged people to get involved and make a real impact.
The ALX Professional Foundations Course got a shout-out as a great way to build tech skills in areas like web development, data analysis, data science, and Salesforce administration. Salesforce, in particular, is expected to take off in Africa’s tech scene. Beyond the tech stuff, Nekessa encouraged building a strong community of young professionals who are all about teamwork and making a difference in the real world.
Panel Talk: Najoli Michael, a Data Scientist at ALX, led a panel with ALX alumni Jesse Njuguna, Eric Mbogo, and Joy Gachenji. They shared how ALX training changed their lives. They learned by doing, worked together on projects, and shifted their mindsets to push past what they thought they could do. The panelists emphasized taking care of yourself, meditating, and managing your time – all things that help you grow professionally. They also answered questions from Dr. Ruhiu and the students about what drives them and their goals for starting their own businesses.
What Employers Want: Zee Gitahi, Entrepreneurship Specialist, reminded everyone that it’s important to be visible, collaborate, and network to succeed. She stressed that your work should speak for itself.
Thank You and a Challenge: Faith Barasa of the University of Nairobi, part of the Afretec team, closed the event with a big thank you, urging everyone to see challenges as opportunities. She highlighted how valuable it is to have mentors, learn new skills, and get ready for the upcoming 3-month ALX program, which has a Mastercard-sponsored Professional Foundation Course. Startup recruitment will open in April and student application in June, and Barasa encouraged people to use the break to prepare.
The Tech Skills Marketplace event wasn’t just about sharing ideas – it was a call to action. Students left with a plan for making their way in the industry, from being professional and disciplined to finding mentors and growing as entrepreneurs. By mixing tech skills with professional behavior and a proactive attitude, attendees are ready to stand out in the tech world. Programs like ALX and initiatives supported by Mastercard are helping young professionals make a difference locally and globally.
This event showed how important it is to be tough, determined, and visible, encouraging people to embrace challenges and build communities that encourage teamwork and new ideas. With these lessons, attendees are ready to move forward and thrive in the competitive tech scene.
About ALX (Empowering Africa’s Future Leaders)
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, ALX is a career accelerator dedicated to equipping Africa’s next generation of leaders with in-demand tech skills. It offers programs in fields like data science, software development, and business, preparing individuals for impactful careers in high-growth industries. Beyond technical training, ALX focuses on fostering leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking to empower professionals for the future.
About AFRETEC (Driving Pan-African Collaboration)
Established in 2022 and headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, the African Engineering and Technology Network (AFRETEC) is a pan-African initiative led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa. It connects technology-focused universities to promote inclusive digital growth. AFRETEC’s mission is to develop tech leaders who can drive digital transformation, create dignified jobs, and foster collaboration in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship.
Why These Initiatives Matter
Both ALX and AFRETEC are pivotal in building Africa’s tech ecosystem. ALX empowers individuals with skills and leadership qualities, while AFRETEC fosters collaboration among universities to address the continent’s digital challenges. Together, these organizations are paving the way for Africa’s participation and success in the global tech arena.
