How to find the best software engineers - Investing in Homegrown Tech Talent

Technology has vastly outpaced talent. As innovation accelerates, demand for skilled technical roles has reached unprecedented levels worldwide, creating a substantial gap between demand and supply. According to the African Development Bank recent statistics, the global tech industry faces an alarming shortage, with an estimated 4.5M million open computing jobs in Africa by 2025 alone and only 50% of professionals to fill them. This discrepancy has far-reaching consequences, making the search for the right tech talent an arduous journey for organizations worldwide. Not only is it creating strain on the lagging of businesses, but it is also inflating the prices of existing tech talents.

How much does it cost to hire a Software Developer team?

Hiring top-tier tech professionals has become both expensive and challenging. The cost of recruitment efforts, coupled with the risk of high turnover rates, has made the pursuit of qualified tech talent a daunting task for many organizations. The struggle to find the right talent has brought the average cost of hiring to $174,000/year.?

However, the cost of hiring a software developer team can vary depending on several factors. Factors such as the size of the team, the level of experience and expertise required, the type of project, and the location of the team all influence the overall cost.

For instance, hiring a team of developers in a major tech hub, such as Silicon Valley, may cost significantly more than hiring a team in a smaller city. Similarly, the cost of hiring a team of senior developers will differ from the cost of hiring a team of junior developers. Another cost to consider is the expense of onboarding and training the team. This can add to the overall cost and should be factored in when estimating the total hiring cost.

So, how do I hire a good Software Developer within my budget?

As businesses navigate the hurdles of hiring, an emerging solution lies in tapping into the vast pool of qualified tech talent in Africa. The narrative surrounding the affordability of African tech talent often mistakenly implies a lack of training or expertise. However, the reality is quite the opposite.

Contrary to the misconception that affordability is synonymous with a lack of training and skills , African tech talents are extensively trained and experienced. Organizations like Gebeya have been at the forefront of investing in quality training programs. Over the past seven years, Gebeya has played a pivotal role in honing the skills of tech professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the global industry.

Collaboration with Global Tech Giants

Gebeya's partnerships with global tech giants further attest to the caliber of training provided. For instance, they had launched a BootCamp with Google where Gebeya trained machine learning engineers. Gebeya's recent partnership with Safaricom Ethiopia and Jica is also creating top-notch mobile app engineers, back-End engineers, and devops engineers to add to the thousands Gebeya has trained before.

In addition, our recent partnership with Microsoft to upskill 300,000 tech talents in Africa demonstrates a concerted effort to scale up the expertise of the workforce. This initiative is not merely a response to market demands; it is a proactive strategy to elevate the standard of tech proficiency across the continent. The collaboration with Microsoft signifies a recognition of the potential of African tech talents and their capacity for significant contributions to the global tech ecosystem.

Then, what is Africa's Competitive Edge: Currency Arbitrage

Currency arbitrage plays a pivotal role in making hiring from Africa an attractive proposition. The lower cost of living in many African countries, coupled with favorable exchange rates, enables companies to stretch their recruitment budgets further. This financial advantage has prompted many businesses to explore outsourcing and remote work arrangements with African tech professionals, creating a win-win situation that benefits both employers and employees.

Okay, so where can I hire the best developers?

Finding the best developer for your team often involves looking beyond geographical boundaries. Many companies are turning to global talent markets to access a diverse pool of skilled professionals. Platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and specialized tech recruitment agencies offer access to a vast network of developers.

However, among the various sourcing options, Gebeya emerges as a standout gateway to access top-tier African tech talents. With seven years of operation in the industry, Gebeya not only serves as a training ground for elite tech professionals but also maintains a meticulously vetted and comprehensive talent database in the African tech landscape.

Gebeya's Distinctive Approach:

1. Training Excellence: Gebeya's extensive experience focuses on refining the skills of tech professionals. The training provided ensures that talents in Gebeya's database are not only technically proficient but also well-versed in industry best practices.
2. Vetting Process: Gebeya employs a rigorous vetting process, assessing talents for technical abilities, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and collaboration capabilities. This meticulous vetting ensures that only the best talents make it into Gebeya's talent pool.
3. Comprehensive Database: Gebeya's commitment to a comprehensive database allows clients access to a diverse range of talents, each with unique strengths and areas of expertise. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor their team composition according to specific project requirements.

In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of the tech talent dilemma, investing in Africa's homegrown talent emerges as a strategic and socially responsible solution. These training initiatives are not just about meeting immediate staffing needs; they're about fostering long-term growth, empowerment, and innovation within local communities and the global tech landscape.